Breakthrough: Are the Chicago Blackhawks and Connor Bedard Ready to SHOCK the NHL Playoff Race?

Chicago Blackhawks surge into playoff contention behind Spencer Knight’s stellar goaltending—can Connor Bedard and company keep the momentum? Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies break down a statement win over the New York Rangers, spotlighting Knight’s Vezina-caliber season and Bedard’s Olympic-worthy scoring pace. Key discussion points include the Blackhawks’ defensive woes, why their metrics don’t tell the whole story, and what a taste of winning means for their young core. The conversation shifts to the trade market with Quinn Hughes as the hot commodity—will the New Jersey Devils unite the Hughes brothers, or could a surprise contender swoop in? The hosts analyze potential landing spots, blockbuster trade packages, and what’s next for the Vancouver Canucks. Plus, NHL player poll superlatives: which NHLer’s face is most punchable, who’s the ultimate dream teammate, and who remains hockey’s top superstar? Don’t miss this candid, fast-paced round-up of the NHL’s biggest storylines. 04:08 Progress, Playoffs Still Unlikely 08:40 Blackhawks Exceed Expectations 13:27 Trade Worth the Risk 14:16 Hughes Brothers' NHL Future 17:44 Finding a Bell Cow Defenseman 24:44 Dream Teammates in Hockey 27:21 Crosby, Canada, Gold Medal Moment Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. Monarch Take control of your finances with Monarch. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at https://monarch.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com and place your NFL live bets all season long. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.