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Sports Friday, April 17, 2026 | | |
| | | | | Good morning, Chicago. The Blackhawks held their end-of-season availability one day after they capped the 2025-26 campaign with a 5-2 win at the United Center. For the sixth straight year and eighth in nine, their exit interviews occurred the same week as their regular-season finale — in
other words, without a playoff appearance. Which begs the questions: Will they be at the same time next year? The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate a win over the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on April 15, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) The Hawks finished 29-39-14 for 72 points, the second-fewest in the NHL but a year-over-year improvement from the two seasons prior. They saw young star Connor Bedard set career highs in goals, assists and points, an up-and-down season from
Frank Nazar, the trades of their three captains and a pile of questions about their future. But there is a consistent consensus from the Hawks: It was a step forward for the organization. Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History | | | | The Cubs return to Wrigley Field to face the reeling New York Mets, losers of 8 consecutive games. And the White Sox begin a 3-game series against the Athletics on Friday. | | | | | The Chicago Sky don’t own their first-round pick in the next two WNBA drafts — a calculated risk from a front office known to gamble. | | | | | Despite missing the playoffs for a sixth straight season and eighth in nine, the Chicago Blackhawks believe it was a step forward for the organization. | | | | | The Big Ten looks to capitalize on and promote the growth of women’s volleyball with its first conference tournament in 2026. | | | | | Tiger Woods’ attorney intends to fight an attempt by prosecutors to subpoena the golfer’s prescription drug records following his arrest last month in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence. | | | | | The Chicago White Sox surrendered three runs in the ninth inning Thursday, falling 5-3 to the Tampa Bay Rays. Here are three takeaways after the Sox were swept in the series. | | | |
