The Blackhawks have vastly exceeded expectations through their first six games of the season, but their attendance has not.

Patrick Kane scored his first goal of the season, goalie Alex Stalock continued his resurgence and the Hawks’ red-hot penalty kill produced one of its best performances in years in a 4-2 victory Tuesday against the Panthers. It was the Hawks’ fourth consecutive triumph.

But only 12,859 fans were in attendance at the United Center to see it, marking the Hawks’ smallest crowd since Dec. 12, 2007.

”[We’re] having that underdog mentality,” Kane said. ”There’s really nothing to lose in here. Hopefully we start filling up the building again, getting people excited about this team and where we could go.

”It’s a little bit different when you look up and you don’t see the building full. I kind of saw it in 2007-08, when it was like that for the first little bit. Then you start winning, there’s excitement and the building fills up pretty quickly. I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened [again].”

After rallying from 2-0 deficits three games in a row, the Hawks found themselves on the opposite side against the Panthers, trying to protect a 3-0 lead in the third period.

The Panthers pushed hard, beating Stalock (29 saves) twice and generating a wave of nerve-wracking moments in the final minutes, but the Hawks held on.

”They’re just executing, and they’re executing better than everyone else right now,” coach Luke Richardson said.

Conference imbalance

The Hawks’ victory bucked a trend of the Eastern Conference dominating the Western Conference early this season. Entering the day, East teams had won 30 of 42 cross-conference matchups.

The Panthers are one team that could be negatively affected by the disparity, with the Atlantic Division looking particularly strong.

The Lightning, Maple Leafs and Bruins are annual powers — those teams and the Panthers were the Atlantic’s four playoff qualifiers in 2021-22 — but the Senators, Sabres and Red Wings might be the three most improved teams in the league.

Injury updates

Forward Tyler Johnson left with an apparent leg or ankle injury in the third period. Richardson said that he was ”not good” after the game but that the Hawks would know more Wednesday.

Fortunately, forward Boris Katchouk appears likely to return ahead of schedule from his sprained left ankle and could take Johnson’s spot.

Katchouk was ruled out for four to six weeks Oct. 2, but he practiced Monday — just more than three weeks into his absence — in a full-contact jersey. Richardson said he’s ”getting very close” and needs only a couple of more practices to get up to speed.

The Hawks also have Reese Johnson available. He has been a healthy scratch in five of the first six games.

PK rolls on

The Hawks couldn’t have put themselves in a tougher situation during the second period. They also couldn’t have handled it better.

Four consecutive penalties — including a double-minor — in a span of less than eight minutes gave the Panthers’ power play nearly a half-period, including 1:35 of five-on-three time, to make something happen. Yet the Hawks’ penalty kill allowed no goals and only two shots on goal during the sequence, earning a standing ovation.

They completed a 6-for-6 night with another crucial kill in the third period.

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Before the Bears’ Week 7 matchup with the Patriots, Justin Jones made it a point to mention the infamous “Deflategate” scandal surrounding the Patriots.

Justin Jones, a defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, decided to add some salt to the wounds of the New England Patriots after the latter’s devastating 33-14 thrashing at Gillette Stadium on Monday night

Justin Jones insisted before the game that he had heard deflategate was still an issue in New England and that he would inspect the footballs himself to make sure they hadn’t been purposefully underinflated. It wasn’t a joke, either. The defensive lineman for the Bears took the accusations of cheating very seriously.

After the game, Jones emphasized the Deflategate allegations by implying that the Patriots’ loss was the result of their inability to cheat.

Post game analysis: Balls were inflated to the fullest. Result = 3 INTS🤷🏿‍️

— Justin M. Jones (@Twenty7Savage) October 25, 2022

Per Jacob Camenker “Jones had said before Week 7 that the first thing he thinks of when he hears Bill Belichick’s name is “deflated balls.” He also told CHGO Sports’ Mark Carman that he was going to check the balls to make sure that they were properly inflated”.

After crushing the Patriots at home, the Bears have earned the right to perform the victory dance.

Even the return of Mac Jones and the brief surge of rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe couldn’t prevent New England from losing what some considered to be a must-win game.

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Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Ill., on Tuesday repudiated a letter he signed in June, along with 29 other House progressives — but not released until Monday — urging President Joe Biden to “engage in direct talks with Russia” to end the war in Ukraine.

The letter as written sparked a major uproar, exposing rifts within the Democratic family, days before the Nov. 8 midterm elections where Democrats may lose control of the House.

The backlash was so strong and swift that less than a day after the letter was made public, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, retracted it on Tuesday.

“The Congressional Progressive Caucus hereby withdraws its recent letter to the White House regarding Ukraine,” she said in a statement.

“The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting. As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this,” she said.

Back in June, Garcia did not take a lead in writing the letter or getting his colleagues to sign it.

Rep. Marie Newman, D-lll., also signed the letter. She lost her bid for another term when she was beaten by Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., in the June 28 Democratic primary. Garcia and Newman are vice chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

As Garcia mulls running for Chicago mayor in 2023, the blowup over the letter — where Garcia’s role was that of a bit player — shows how his congressional life may get much more attention if he moves forward with a bid for City Hall. His allies, with his knowledge, started circulating mayoral nominating petitions for him on Saturday.

Garc?a said in a statement, “I joined this letter four months ago. The letter had been written to reflect the situation at that time. Some of that information is now outdated and the letter should not have been sent.

“However, I want to be clear:the letter’s underlying message remains pertinent. I strongly support Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s illegal invasion. And I strongly believe that diplomacy should continue to be a powerful tool in our foreign policy arsenal.”

Garcia was never told the letter was going to be released on Monday. He has voted for every measure supporting Ukraine and, as a member of the Financial Services Committee, introduced measures dealing with giving Ukraine debt relief.

The letter, addressed to Biden said in conclusion, “we urge you to make vigorous diplomatic efforts in support of a negotiated settlement and ceasefire, engage in direct talks with Russia, explore prospects for a new European security arrangement acceptable to all parties that will allow for a sovereign and independent Ukraine, and, in coordination with our Ukrainian partners, seek a rapid end to the conflict and reiterate this goal as America’s chief priority.”

Democratic critics of the letter said asking Biden to intervene undermined Ukraine and put pressure on Biden. The letter could also be seen as helpful to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who is threatening to cut aid to Ukraine if the GOP takes over the House and he becomes speaker.

Jayapal also said in her statement, “Because of the timing, our message is being conflated by some as being equivalent to the recent statement by Republican Leader McCarthy threatening an end to aid to Ukraine if Republicans take over.

“The proximity of these statements created the unfortunate appearance that Democrats, who have strongly and unanimously supported and voted for every package of military, strategic, and economic assistance to the Ukrainian people, are somehow aligned with Republicans who seek to pull the plug on American support for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian forces.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. Every war ends with diplomacy, and this one will too after Ukrainian victory. The letter sent yesterday, although restating that basic principle, has been conflated with GOP opposition to support for the Ukrainians’ just defense of their national sovereignty. As such, it is a distraction at this time and we withdraw the letter.”

Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., with his co-chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., issued a statement that took aim at the letter from the 30 progressives, making it clear that Ukraine negotiates for Ukraine — not the U.S.

“We have been unwavering in our support for Ukraine in the face of Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion. Ukraine is an independent nation with the right to both territorial integrity and self-determination. Neither the United States nor any other nation can dictate when or how Ukraine ends their war against Russian invaders.”

There are about 100 members in the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The two other Illinois members, Democratic Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Danny Davis — whose district includes Chicago’s Ukrainian Village community — did not sign the letter.

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Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Ill., on Tuesday repudiated a letter he signed in June, along with 29 other House progressives — but not released until Monday — urging President Joe Biden to “engage in direct talks with Russia” to end the war in Ukraine.

The letter as written sparked a major uproar, exposing rifts within the Democratic family, days before the Nov. 8 midterm elections where Democrats may lose control of the House.

The backlash was so strong and swift that less than a day after the letter was made public, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, retracted it on Tuesday.

“The Congressional Progressive Caucus hereby withdraws its recent letter to the White House regarding Ukraine,” she said in a statement.

“The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting. As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this,” she said.

Back in June, Garcia did not take a lead in writing the letter or getting his colleagues to sign it.

Rep. Marie Newman, D-lll., also signed the letter. She lost her bid for another term when she was beaten by Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., in the June 28 Democratic primary. Garcia and Newman are vice chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

As Garcia mulls running for Chicago mayor in 2023, the blowup over the letter — where Garcia’s role was that of a bit player — shows how his congressional life may get much more attention if he moves forward with a bid for City Hall. His allies, with his knowledge, started circulating mayoral nominating petitions for him on Saturday.

Garc?a said in a statement, “I joined this letter four months ago. The letter had been written to reflect the situation at that time. Some of that information is now outdated and the letter should not have been sent.

“However, I want to be clear:the letter’s underlying message remains pertinent. I strongly support Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s illegal invasion. And I strongly believe that diplomacy should continue to be a powerful tool in our foreign policy arsenal.”

Garcia was never told the letter was going to be released on Monday. He has voted for every measure supporting Ukraine and, as a member of the Financial Services Committee, introduced measures dealing with giving Ukraine debt relief.

The letter, addressed to Biden said in conclusion, “we urge you to make vigorous diplomatic efforts in support of a negotiated settlement and ceasefire, engage in direct talks with Russia, explore prospects for a new European security arrangement acceptable to all parties that will allow for a sovereign and independent Ukraine, and, in coordination with our Ukrainian partners, seek a rapid end to the conflict and reiterate this goal as America’s chief priority.”

Democratic critics of the letter said asking Biden to intervene undermined Ukraine and put pressure on Biden. The letter could also be seen as helpful to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who is threatening to cut aid to Ukraine if the GOP takes over the House and he becomes speaker.

Jayapal also said in her statement, “Because of the timing, our message is being conflated by some as being equivalent to the recent statement by Republican Leader McCarthy threatening an end to aid to Ukraine if Republicans take over.

“The proximity of these statements created the unfortunate appearance that Democrats, who have strongly and unanimously supported and voted for every package of military, strategic, and economic assistance to the Ukrainian people, are somehow aligned with Republicans who seek to pull the plug on American support for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian forces.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. Every war ends with diplomacy, and this one will too after Ukrainian victory. The letter sent yesterday, although restating that basic principle, has been conflated with GOP opposition to support for the Ukrainians’ just defense of their national sovereignty. As such, it is a distraction at this time and we withdraw the letter.”

Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., with his co-chairs of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., issued a statement that took aim at the letter from the 30 progressives, making it clear that Ukraine negotiates for Ukraine — not the U.S.

“We have been unwavering in our support for Ukraine in the face of Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion. Ukraine is an independent nation with the right to both territorial integrity and self-determination. Neither the United States nor any other nation can dictate when or how Ukraine ends their war against Russian invaders.”

There are about 100 members in the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The two other Illinois members, Democratic Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Danny Davis — whose district includes Chicago’s Ukrainian Village community — did not sign the letter.

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The city’s top watchdog says the Chicago Police Department overlooked incriminating evidence while looking into an officer’s ties to the far-right Proud Boys, and failed to consider whether he should be fired forlying to investigators.

Officer Robert Bakker’s relationship with members of the Proud Boys ultimately resulted in a 120-day suspension — a decision that has sparked a firestorm of criticism at City Hall, with some alderpersons calling for his dismissal and grilling police brass at a budget hearing last week.

On Tuesday, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg added her voice to the outcry, telling the Sun-Times she believesBakker’s case sets a dangerous precedent.

“The outcome of this case represents a determination that someone who made ‘false’ and ‘contradicting’ statements about his association with the Proud Boys should continue to wear the uniform of the Chicago Police Department,” Witzburg said in a statement.

“Members of the public and the people who do good and honorable work in that uniform deserve a police accountability system in which they have reason to be confident,” she added.

Letters from her office to top police officials, obtained by the Sun-Times,details what Witzburg believes were glaring flaws in the police department’s internal investigation of Bakker.

‘Inconsistent statements’

The inspector general’s concerns stretch back toearly 2020,when the FBI interviewed Bakker about his relationship with the Proud Boys. Bakker told police department’s Bureau of Internal Affairs that he had already “ended his friendship” with three Proud Boys members when he sat down with agents.

Bakker insisted he had no involvement with “the Proud Boys organization,” though a police department investigator reported being unable to “obtain any verifiable evidence to disprove the statement.”

Witzburg noted that the police department’s case file appears to show Bakker “made inconsistent statements” to the FBI and the internal affairs bureau. The file also includes messages showing Bakker’s close links to the Proud Boys, she said.

Bakker’s claimed he left a “F— Antifa” chat channel after a single day when he learned “who theProud Boyswere.” Yet Bakker had posted on the channel over a two-month period in the summer of 2019, Witzburg said.

The officer also reported meeting two members of the group at a Proud Boys event at a bar, she said, “indicating that he knew who the Proud Boys were from the first time he met them.”

Chat logs show Bakker had whisked away a Proud Boys member after a bar fight and didn’t report it to police, Witzburg said.

While Bakker acknowledged that he invited members of the group to social events, messages show he apparently lied to investigators about attending a Proud Boys barbecue, Witzburg said.

Internal affairs investigators found that Bakker failed to tell police officials about being interviewed by the FBI. But they did not sustain allegations that Bakker associated with criminals and members of the Proud Boys.

A five-day suspension was recommended.

On Nov. 11 of 2020, Witzburg urged former Internal Affairs Chief Karen Konow to reassess the evidence against Bakker.

“BIA’s analysis and findings do not account for all of the available evidence in support of the allegations that Bakker associated with … individuals known to have been convicted of crimes and members of the Proud Boys,”Witzburg wrote.

Probe reopened, no dismissal

The internal affairs bureau did reopen the investigation and this time sustained five allegations against Bakker: that he made “contradicting statements” about his activity in the chat channels; made a “false statement” about attending the Proud Boys barbecue; failed to report the fight in the bar; and discredited the department by chatting with members of the Proud Boys and specifically supporting a member.

Early this year, the police department reached a “mediation agreement” under which Bakker accepted a 120-day suspension.

Several months later, on Sept. 12, Acting Deputy Inspector General Megan Carlson wrote Police Supt. David Brown andappeared to urgehim to fire Bakker.

Carlson asked Brown to look into whether Bakker’s testimony warranted a violation of a department rule prohibiting false statements — a violation that can lead to dismissal. “Even in the presence of a mediation agreement, you may seek separation,” Carlson wrote.

She quoted the former head of internal affairs Tina Skahill — who now leads the department’s reform efforts — as saying the department has “recommended separation” for officers found violating the rule since 2008.

She also included an excerpt from a letter Brown wrote last year as part of a different disciplinary case in which he detailed the consequences of retaining an officer who is a known liar.

“Such a violation impairs an officer’s ability to testify in criminal cases, to effectuate arrests, hinders an officer from signing affidavits in support of search warrants, and participating in joint federal task forces,” Brown wrote.

But the inspector general, in a recent quarterly report,said her office never got a response from Brown.

Testimony raises more questions

The department declined to answer a list of questions seeking comment on the case.

Brown and the current internal affairs chief, Yolanda Talley, defended Bakker’s suspension during sometimes baffling testimony at a City Council budget hearing last week.

Brown claimed investigators didn’t have enough evidence to prove Bakker “associated with or was a member of a hate group, Proud Boys or any other hate group” — even though his own internal affairs bureau had found links.

Talley focused on the “hate group” designation, saying “this investigation would have look totally different” if the FBI had labeled the Proud Boys as a hate group.

But the FBI “does not designate hate groups,” agency spokeswoman Siobhan Johnson told the Sun-Times.

The Proud Boys has been designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the internal investigation found that Bakker had clearly associated with members of the group.

Five of the group’s members have been charged with seditious conspiracy in connection to the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. One of them has pleaded guilty.

Continuing her testimony, Talley claimed the suspension “would not have been more than five days for what we were able to prove.” Then she disclosed an apparently privileged exchange with Bakker.

“We brought him in for a second interview and he just felt so bad that he was accused of this, he mediated for 120 days,” Talley said. “We didn’t offer him 120 days. He came in and spoke to us and said, ‘I’ll take 120 days.'”

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