It’s no secret that times are hard for fans of Chicago sports. The White Sox, Cubs, Bulls, and Bears are all in the midst of middling, or worse, performance in recent years. And the same is true of the team that used to be the reliable winner, the Blackhawks.

When they drafted generational prospect Connor Bedard first overall in the 2023 NHL draft, the future appeared to be bright. An idea seemingly confirmed when Bedard brought home the Calder Memorial Trophy - the NHL’s rookie of the year award - in his first season on the ice.

But year two has only added more angst to the situation. Bedard suffered through a sophomore slump to start the season, and Chicago is at the bottom of the standings in the NHL.

So today, ESPN senior hockey reporter, Emily Kaplan tells Michele Steele, during an in person conversation, what the problem has been with Bedard and the Blackhawks in year two.

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