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The guys are back to break down another week of Chicago Blackhawks hockey! From Connor Bedard’s return to a thrilling overtime win and the highs and lows of a frustrating 4-0 loss, Jarom, Tanner, and Poetz cover all the action from another eventful week. What’s clicking for the Hawks, what still needs work, and what can we take away from the latest stretch of games? The guys dive into all of that and much more on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @WCBPJarom Tanner Poetz: @PoetzyPxP X: @WCBPJarom Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Week two of the Blackhawks season has come and gone, and after a week to forget, there were at least a few more bright spots to take away from the latest stretch of games. The guys break down all the action from the Blackhawks’ last three games, covering everything from Artyom Levshunov and Frank Nazar’s questionable suspension to the lack of fight from both the team and the head coach. Plus, the guys discuss Bo Byram and much more! Can the Hawks build on the positives, or are the same old problems starting to show up again? All that and more on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @WCBPJarom Tanner X: @WCBPJarom Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The Chicago Blackhawks are back… and boy, it doesn’t feel like it. Jarom and Tanner break down the first three games of the season and try to figure out just what is going on with this team. From a lack of effort from the players, to coaching struggles and everything in between, this is certainly not the start anyone had hoped for. Can the Hawks turn things around, or are there bigger concerns brewing in Chicago? All that and more on this week’s episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Hockey season is officially here, but before we kick off the 2026-27 season, we have to preview the Chicago Blackhawks! The guys take a look at the Hawks’ roster and break down how they see each player fitting into the lineup. They also dive deep into their expectations for this team, what could go right, what could go wrong, and where they think the Blackhawks will ultimately finish. And, of course, they wrap things up with their final predictions before the season gets underway! All that and more on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

It’s our final division preview as we wrap things up with the Central Division! While we’re skipping the Blackhawks, we take a look at the other seven teams in the division and what to expect heading into the new season. Is this still the Avalanche’s division to lose? Is the Stars’ window closing faster than they had hoped? Is it all or nothing for the Wild if they can’t get Quinn Hughes to sign? All this and so much more in this week’s episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Preview season makes its way out West as the guys make a stop in the Pacific Division! Last year, it seemed like this was a division that nobody wanted to win, earning the title of the NHL’s “pillow fight.” Can the Sharks continue to improve and make the playoffs? Will the hiring of Mike Babcock finally bring Connor McDavid and the Oilers their long-awaited Stanley Cup? And will Vancouver and Calgary be as bad as many are projecting? The guys break down all eight teams and make their picks for how the Pacific Division will shake out! Check out this and more on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

It’s Week Two of preview season, and the guys wrap up their look at the Eastern Conference with a stop in the Metropolitan Division! Last season saw several of these teams come up just short of playoff hockey, so could the Metro be one of the most competitive divisions in the NHL this year? Can the Hurricanes repeat as Stanley Cup Champions? How will Matthew Schaefer follow up his unbelievable rookie season? Can the Rangers get back on track? And will Columbus finally get over the hump? The guys break it all down and make their predictions for the Metropolitan Division on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Atlantic Division Preview  ~ Episode 380 Hockey season is almost here, and that means it’s time for season previews! The guys kick things off by taking a trip through the Atlantic Division and breaking down what could be one of the most competitive divisions in the NHL. Can the Buffalo Sabres build off last season’s magical run and repeat as division champions? Is the young Montreal Canadiens team ready to take the next step and become a consistent threat in the Eastern Conference? And after missing the playoffs last season, can the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs bounce back? The guys break down each team, make their predictions, and discuss who they think will rise to the top and who could be left watching the playoffs from home. All that and more on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The guys are back with a short one this week as they get ready for preview season! Before those episodes begin, they take one last look at the latest Blackhawks prospect rankings — and this time, it’s from someone who definitely knows what he’s talking about. The guys dive into Steven Ellis’ top 10 Blackhawks prospects and discuss his rankings, the players who stood out, and which prospects they’re most excited to watch heading into the new season. With Chicago’s prospect pool now ranked No. 1 in the NHL by Ellis, there’s plenty to be excited about for the future. All that and more on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The guys are back after a week off, and boy, are we officially in August because Chicago Blackhawks news is getting pretty thin! The guys kick things off by discussing the Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro contract situations and whether there should be any concern that both RFAs remain unsigned this late into the summer. With both defensemen facing important seasons ahead, the guys break down what their next contracts could look like and what role they could have with the Blackhawks this season. They also take a look around the NHL at some of the other unsigned RFAs and discuss what those players could ultimately sign for — and whether there could still be a few offer sheets lurking out there. Next up, the guys dive into Corey Pronman’s latest prospect pool rankings for The Athletic and, well… they have some thoughts. How does Chicago’s prospect pool stack up against the rest of the NHL, and why do these rankings feel absolutely brutal — not just for the Blackhawks, but for plenty of teams around the league? All that and more on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The dog days of summer are here, and while the NHL offseason feels like it's dragging on, that isn't stopping the guys from talking Chicago Blackhawks hockey. First up, they break down everything from last week's Upper Deck Rookie Showcase, where Roman Kantserov quickly became a favorite among the Chicago media. They discuss his comments about Connor Bedard, Patrick Kane, Spencer Knight, and why so many people are excited about what he could bring to the organization. Next, the conversation shifts to Sacha Boisvert and what the best development path is for the talented prospect. Should he begin the season with the Blackhawks, or would spending time in Rockford better prepare him for long-term success? The guys also dive into the newly released Blackhawks promotional schedule, including the highly anticipated Centennial Game and the excitement of seeing Patrick Kane back in a Blackhawks Centennial jersey. Finally, Tanner wraps things up by breaking down the results of The Athletic's Blackhawks fan survey, highlighting several responses that may surprise even the most die-hard fans. All that and more on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

What's old is new again—Patrick Kane is officially back with the Chicago Blackhawks! The guys break down Kane's new two-year contract and discuss what his return means, not only on the ice but in the locker room and for the city of Chicago as a whole. They dive into how the Blackhawks' forward lines could shake out, who stands to benefit the most from playing alongside No. 88, and what the team's leadership group could look like heading into the 2026-27 season. To wrap things up, the guys set realistic expectations for the Blackhawks this season, debate where they could finish in the standings, and discuss whether this team is finally ready to take the next step towards playoff hockey. All that and more on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The day Chicago Blackhawks fans have been waiting for has finally arrived—Connor Bedard has signed his new contract! The guys kick things off by sharing their instant reactions to Bedard's extension, breaking down the contract details and what it means for Kyle Davidson's flexibility as he continues building the Blackhawks into a contender. They discuss how this deal impacts the team's salary cap outlook and what it could mean for future additions to the roster. They also dive into comments from both Bedard and his agent about how the negotiations unfolded, why the deal came together when it did, and what Bedard had to say about his confidence in the direction of the franchise. It's an encouraging look into the mindset of the face of the Blackhawks as the organization continues its rebuild. All that and more on the latest episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast! Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

The guys are back with another episode of the Windy City Benders Podcast, and this week the outlook is a lot more positive around the Chicago Blackhawks. They kick things off by discussing Connor Bedard's recent surgery and the expectation that he'll miss at least the first month of the season. While it's far from an ideal start, the guys explain why they don't believe the Blackhawks will be in nearly as much trouble as some fans are predicting. Instead, they look at it as a huge opportunity for the rest of the young core to step up, prove they belong, and silence some of the critics before Bedard returns. Next, they dive into NHL media's projected opening-night lineups and compare them to their own projected Blackhawks roster. From forward combinations to defensive pairings, they break down the biggest differences, debate who has the inside track on roster spots, and discuss which players could surprise heading into training camp. To wrap up the episode, they look at what Kyle Davidson could still have up his sleeve before the regular season begins. Are there more trades to be made? Is another veteran addition still possible? The guys discuss the remaining offseason possibilities and what moves could help shape the Blackhawks heading into the 2026-27 season. Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast

Free agency is well underway, and as expected, things have been pretty quiet in the Windy City. The guys are back to break down this week's biggest hockey headlines, starting with Connor Bedard's injury scare in Vancouver. Bedard, who has been training in Vancouver this offseason, left the ice in pain on Thursday after appearing to lose an edge. Is this something Blackhawks fans should be concerned about, or is it simply an offseason scare with nothing to worry about? Next, Kyle Davidson locks up another important piece of the future, signing Drew Commesso to a two-year contract. What does the deal mean for Chicago's goaltending situation this season, and where does Commesso fit into the organization's long-term plans? Finally, the Philadelphia Flyers may have changed the NHL landscape by sending a monster offer sheet to Leo Carlsson. The guys discuss what it could mean for the Blackhawks, Connor Bedard's current contract negotiations, future superstar extensions around the league, and whether offer sheets are about to become a much bigger part of doing business in the NHL. Check out all of this and more in Episode 373!   Hosts: Jarom @ZachJarom Tanner   X: @WCBPodcast Instagram: @WCBPodcast Facebook: WCBPodcast . . #nhl #hockey #blackhawks #icehockey #chicagoblackhawks #podcast