Connor Bedard got a massive ovation at the Blackhawks' home opener tonight, announced as captain in front of the home crowd for the first time.
It was a moment the building had been waiting for. Five former captains had already sent him messages about what the C means in Chicago.
Adrian Aucoin, Nick Foligno, Denis Savard, Chris Chelios and Jonathan Toews all weighed in before the season. Tonight, the fans added their voice.
The welcome was needed. Chicago opened with three straight road losses, including a 6-0 defeat in Utah and a 4-3 loss in Buffalo on Saturday.
That trip raised real questions. Jeff Blashill openly considered changes on the blue line after the Utah loss.
Bedard carries a $15,000,000 cap hit, third-highest in the league. A captain at that number is expected to lead the turnaround.
Jeff Blashill's Blackhawks need a win to match the noise
St. Louis was the opponent, and the Blues bring their own edge. Brandon Carlo drew a kneeing major against Dallas in their opener.
Kyle Davidson built this roster around his young captain. Nights like this are why, and the next few weeks will show whether the team around him is ready.
The ovation was the easy part. Chicago needs results to match the noise, because a captain can only carry so much of an 0-3-0 start on his own.
A standing ovation for a new captain is like the applause at a wedding. Lovely moment, but the marriage starts the next morning.
After the home opener, the Blackhawks visit the Islanders on Thursday.
Bedard heard what Chicago thinks of him tonight. Now the city wants to hear what this team sounds like when it wins.
Can Connor Bedard turn the Blackhawks around as captain?
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