The Blackhawks slightly exceeded their very low external expectations this season. On a player-by-player basis, the results varied more.

Expectations for the Blackhawks entering the 2021 season were extremely low.

Four months later — despite a surprisingly entertaining ride through their 56-game season — the Hawks ended up right around, or perhaps slightly above, where they were expected to be.

But how did each individual player fare this season, compared to expectation? Those results varied more.

Patrick Kane

Stat line: 66 points (15 goals, 51 assists) in 56 games

Expectations: Exceeded

Kane scored 40 of his 66 points in the first half of the season, trailing off like the rest of the Hawks as spring arrived, but still finished top-10 in the NHL in scoring — and did so despite a nagging injury. He remains the Hawks’ best player at age 32.

Alex DeBrincat

Stat line: 56 points (32 goals, 24 assists) in 52 games

Expectations: Exceeded

DeBrincat recovered from a disastrous 2019-20 with a fantastic 2021. His scoring touch returned to elite levels — he ranks third in the league in goals — and he became an important player defensively and on the penalty kill, too.

Dominik Kubalik

Stat line: 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) in 56 games

Expectations: Met

Kubalik was never going to match his 19.1% rookie shooting percentage, but his 10.9% rate (and generally solid production) this season proved he’s going to be reliable scorer in this league for a while.

Dylan Strome

Stat line: 17 points (9 goals, 8 assists) in 40 games

Expectations: Not met

Strome endured a disastrous year, falling into healthy scratch territory even when healthy late in the season. His future in Chicago is in jeopardy.

Ryan Carpenter

Stat line: 5 points (4 goals, 1 assist) in 40 games

Expectations: Met

It would be nice if Carpenter produced any semblance of offense, but he performs his defensive duties well: opponents’ shot-attempt and scoring-chance rates against Carpenter were the lowest of any Hawks forward.

David Kampf

Stat line: 12 points (1 goal, 11 assists) in 56 games

Expectations: Met

Much like Carpenter, Kampf is entirely a defensive forward; he nearly went the whole season without a goal. Coach Jeremy Colliton’s odd tendency to play him above the fourth line risks setting expectations too high.

Pius Suter

Stat line: 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) in 55 games

Expectations: Exceeded

Suter was an unknown commodity coming over from Switzerland but became a pleasant surprise, ranking fourth on the Hawks in points. His efficiency and magnetism toward “dirty goals” are much-needed on this roster.

Kirby Dach

Stat line: 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists) in 18 games

Expectations: Met

Dach playing 18 games this season exceeded expectations, even if his play in those games merely met them. He’ll be expected to take a major leap forward next season, though.

Brandon Hagel

Stat line: 24 points (9 goals, 15 assists) in 52 games

Expectations: Exceeded

Hagel’s speed, work ethic and consistency cemented his role early on, and his scoring eventually caught up. The fact he’ll be protected in the expansion draft says a lot.

Philipp Kurashev

Stat line: 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists) in 54 games

Expectations: Exceeded

Nine of Kurashev’s 16 points were recorded before Feb. 18, but staying in the lineup all season still exceeded expectations. He’s still only 21, and his dynamic skills with the puck offer a lofty ceiling.

Connor Murphy

Stat line: 15 points, 22:09 average TOI in 50 games

Expectations: Met

Murphy handles the unenviable task of shouldering the toughest situations for this leaky Hawks defense as well as he possibly could. He has quietly turned into a very good player and one of Stan Bowman’s better recent acquisitions.

Duncan Keith

Stat line: 15 points, 23:25 average TOI in 54 games

Expectations: Met

Keith is clearly slowing down with age and would be better served playing fewer minutes. But as a soon-to-be 38-year-old still managing a massive role (and still beloved in Chicago), he’s living up to any reasonable expectations.

Nikita Zadorov

Stat line: 8 points, 19:12 average TOI in 55 games

Expectations: Not met

Zadorov indeed fell short of the lofty expectations set by the Brandon Saad trade. He was huge, physical and good at stopping the puck, but often inconsistent, error-prone or out of position.

Calvin de Haan

Stat line: 10 points, 18:37 average TOI in 44 games

Expectations: Met

De Haan, who turned 30 last weekend, continues to struggle with injuries. Otherwise, he was actually the second-best defenseman on the Hawks in even-strength scoring chance ratio.

Adam Boqvist

Stat line: 16 points, 16:59 average TOI in 35 games

Expectations: Met

Boqvist led Hawks defensemen in even-strength scoring chance ratio. He took a big step forward this season, adding more offense while learning how to use his skills to defend at the NHL level.

Ian Mitchell

Stat line: 7 points, 15:02 average TOI in 39 games

Expectations: Not met

Mitchell, previously the Hawks’ consensus No. 1 prospect, unexpectedly struggled in his rookie year and didn’t see much NHL ice time in the second half. The Hawks will try to rehabilitate his confidence this offseason.

Wyatt Kalynuk

Stat line: 9 points, 16:16 average TOI in 21 games

Expectations: Exceeded

Kalynuk was one of the Hawks’ few April bright spots, emerging as an NHL regular and scoring at an impressive clip. His excellent skating and puck-moving abilities offer intriguing upside, but he is already 24.

Nicolas Beaudin

Stat line: 6 points, 13:47 average TOI in 19 games

Expectations: Met

Beaudin, like Mitchell, didn’t see much NHL ice time in the second half. He finished with the worst scoring chance ratio on the team (40.1%). But after a few years of developmental stagnation, even becoming NHL-relevant this season represented some progress.

Kevin Lankinen

Stat line: 17-14-5, .909 save percentage in 37 starts

Expectations: Exceeded

Lankinen singlehandedly changed the preseason narrative about the Hawks’ goaltending for the better. His massive workload wore him down late, but his long-term everyday starter potential remains one of the Hawks’ biggest sources of optimism.

Malcolm Subban

Stat line: 6-8-1, .900 save percentage in 14 starts

Expectations: Met

Subban has been a backup with an .899 career save percentage during his NHL career; he was a backup with an .900 save percentage this season. He was exactly what he figured to be, with great athleticism but poor rebound control.

Others

Many of the forwards the Hawks traded were not meeting expectations.

Mattias Janmark scored an eye-opening 19 points in his 41 games but struggled in every other regard. Carl Soderberg and Lucas Wallmark never found their niches. Matthew Highmore dropped off the map. Andrew Shaw did exactly what he was supposed to do, but lasted only 14 games.

As for midseason additions, Vinnie Hinostroza was a late-season revelation, scoring 10 points in his 15 Hawks games, but is an unrestricted free agent. Riley Stillman was less noticeable but earned an extension. Brett Connolly, Adam Gaudette and Mike Hardman need bigger sample sizes to be appropriately judged.

Goalie Collin Delia fell far short of expectations, with a .902 save percentage while making only five starts, but that was only slightly his fault.

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The shooting happened shortly after 3 a.m. in the 7800 block of South Loomis Boulevard, fire officials said.

Five people were wounded in a shooting early Saturday at a party in Gresham on the South Side.

The shooting happened shortly after 3 a.m. in the 7800 block of South Loomis Boulevard, according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Merritt.

One man transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center was listed as “grave,” Merritt said.

Two other people were taken to the same hospital, one in serious to critical condition and the other in fair to serious condition, Merritt said.

Two people were taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious to critical condition, according to Merritt.

Chicago police have not yet released information on the shooting.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

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One man was killed and another injured in a shooting Friday night in Belmont Cragin on the Northwest Side.

About 11:50 p.m., officers heard several shots fired and saw an 18-year-old man running with a rifle in the 6200 block of West Diversey Avenue, Chicago police said.

Officers placed him under arrest and noticed he had two gunshot wounds to the back and one to the arm, police said. He was transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition.

While searching the area, officers also found a 32-year-old man on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head, police said. He was taken to the same hospital where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office has not yet identified the man.

Area Five detectives are investigating the incident.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

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Officers heard several shots fired and saw an 18-year-old man running with a rifle in the 6200 block of West Diversey Avenue, Chicago police said.

Two men were critically, and one of them placed in custody, following a shooting Friday night in Belmont Cragin on the Northwest Side.

About 11:50 p.m., officers heard several shots fired and saw an 18-year-old man running with a rifle in the 6200 block of West Diversey Avenue, Chicago police said.

Officers placed him under arrest and noticed he had two gunshot wounds to the back and one to the arm, police said. He was transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition.

While searching the area, officers also found a 32-year-old man on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head, police said. He was taken to the same hospital also in critical condition.

Area Five detectives are investigating the incident.

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Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Cancer.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Stock the fridge because surprise company might appear on your doorstep. Almost certainly, something will change your home routine. (Hopefully, a small appliance does not break down or you don’t have a breakage.) Perhaps it’s unexpected news? It will be something.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a mildly accident-prone day for your sign, which means you will be smart to pay attention to everything you say and do. On the upside, you’re full of bright, original ideas! This is the classic day to meet new faces and see new places. A spontaneous short trip might suddenly take place.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Keep an eye on your money scene and your possessions because something unexpected might affect them. Major oops! This could be anything. Perhaps you will find money; perhaps you will lose money. Definitely protect what you own against loss, theft or damage for your own good. Be smart.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Today the moon is in your sign dancing with wild, unpredictable Uranus, which is bound to create surprises and unexpected events. This will also make you restless and want more freedom. It will trigger your desire for excitement. “Bring it on!”

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You might receive a surprise or some unexpected news from behind the scenes. This could be a secret that is suddenly revealed? It could be anything. Please be discreet because whatever happens might indirectly affect your public reputation. (It’s possible.) You might need to protect someone else’s secret.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Today you might encounter a new and exciting friend. Possibly, an old friend will come back into your life unexpectedly, or someone you know might do something that surprises you? You might even impulsively join a group. It’s an interesting day.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This could be a tricky day talking to parents, bosses and the police because something unexpected might happen. They might throw you a curveball, or vice versa, you might do something that surprises them. The thing to do is not overreact. Don’t be rebellious. (Never underestimate the power of courtesy.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

A sudden chance to travel might fall in your lap today, or existing travel plans might be changed. Be open to meeting someone new and unusual from a different background. News in the media might surprise. (This is a stimulating, learning day!)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Because something unexpected could affect the assets that you share with someone else, including debt and including something to do with your bank account, be aware. Check these areas for something you need to know about. Protect your wealth.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Someone close to you might give you a chance to do something different or get away from your usual scene. They might suggest something unusual or extend a surprise invitation? (Quite likely, a female will play in this scenario.) Enjoy your day!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Something unexpected that is related to technology or computer issues might occur. Hopefully, not a glitch. Perhaps new equipment will arrive where you work? Meanwhile, be open to improvements, reforms or suggestions about new ways of doing things. After all, you were born 50 years ahead of your time!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Parents should know that this is a mildly accident-prone day for their kids which means they must be vigilant. Likewise, guard against sports accidents. Meanwhile, a surprise invitation to a fun event might come your way? Or perhaps a fun event will be canceled? (Boo hoo.) Today is full of unexpected detours.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Olympian, British Royal, Zara Phillips Tindall (1981) shares your birthday. You are disciplined, strong, direct and genuine with others. You are also reliable and conscientious — all admirable qualities. On top of this, you have an excellent business sense. In your year ahead, your curiosity will grow and you will find that learning something new and possibly even teaching something will be your top priority. Study will be rewarding for you.

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A fire broke out at a house Friday in the 4400 block of West Jackson Boulevard.

A person was killed and another critically hurt in a house fire Friday night in West Garfield Park.

About 11:20 p.m., firefighters responded to a blaze at a house in the 4400 block of West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago Fire officials said.

A person, who is believed to be male, was found dead at the scene, fire officials said. The Cook County medical examiner’s office hasn’t released details on the death.

A woman, in her 70s, was taken in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital for smoke inhalantion, according to fire officials.

Chicago Fire Department are investigating the cause of the fire.

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The men were shot Friday in the 3900 block of West Fillmore Street.

Three men were hurt in a drive-by shooting Friday night in Lawndale on the West Side.

The trio was standing outside about 8:15 p.m. in the 3900 block of West Fillmore Street when a vehicle drove past and someone from inside fired shots, Chicago police said.

A 26-year-old was shot in both arms and was taken in serious condition to Mount Sinai Hospital, police said. Another man, also 26, suffered two gunshot wounds to the back and was taken to the same hospital in serious condition.

The other, 20, was shot in the arm and hand and was also taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where his condition was fair, police said.

No one is in custody as Area Four detectives investigate.

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The stat line reminded everyone what Lauri Markkanen could be once again.

Actually, what he always should have been.

And that’s the frustration.

Markkanen came off the bench in the Bulls’ victory Thursday against the Raptors to notch 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in 25 minutes on his way to finishing a team-high plus-15. He performed so well that it cut into starter Patrick Williams’ playing time, limiting him to 18 minutes.

But, like too many of Markkanen’s good moments, it came with an asterisk: The Raptors basically were fielding a G-League team, choosing to fold up the tents last week and lock in their spot in the draft lottery.

Was shooting 6-for-9 from three-point range, as Markkanen did, impressive? No doubt. But his offensive skills never have been questioned.

His ability to play with physicality for his 7-foot size and, more important, to show up consistently have been.

So while Markkanen reminded the Bulls of what he could do, it couldn’t keep them from finally being eliminated in the battle for the final spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament when the Wizards beat the visiting Cavaliers on Friday.

It didn’t change Markkanen’s standing with the Bulls, either. Barring a complete change of heart, he likely will be playing his last two games in a Bulls uniform Saturday at the Nets and Sunday against the Bucks before becoming a restricted free agent this summer. That writing has been on the wall since March.

Since the trade deadline, Markkanen has gone from starting at power forward and getting some minutes at center to coming off the bench at small forward, a position he hasn’t fully embraced and really doesn’t have the defensive ability to play.

So while the Bulls haven’t completely shoved Markkanen out the door, he has endured a series of demotions because of other players they consider to be more in their plans.

Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said he was behind Markkanen at the start of the season and just after the trade deadline, but playing time and role changes now indicate otherwise.

”I haven’t had any conversations with Arturas or [general manager] Marc [Eversley] on that,” coach Billy Donovan said of Markkanen’s future. ”I would just say this: I really, really love Lauri as a player. He’s a great guy. And he has been an incredible teammate. And he has sacrificed a lot. And I do think when the [trades for Nikola Vucevic and Daniel Theis] did happen, he was a guy who was playing center and [power forward], and now it’s gone from [power forward] to [small forward]. It’s really changed a lot.

”I’ve just appreciated the way he has come in every day and tried to be a team guy and done the best he can in managing the minutes that he’s gotten.”

The Bulls will have the final say in Markkanen’s future this offseason. Whether they figure out a sign-and-trade or decide to match any offer he gets as a restricted free agent, it will be in their hands.

Markkanen said last week his intention will be to sign with a team that will give him a chance to start again. It doesn’t sound as though that opportunity will be there with the Bulls.

That’s why these last two games could be a reminder of why the Bulls deemed Markkanen a pillar of their rebuild in 2017 — and of how he never lived up to that expectation.

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As spot starters go, it’s always nice to have Michael Kopech available.

As spot starts go, four innings of one-run ball from Kopech will do just fine, especially in a seven-inning game.

The Sox’ talented right-hander, making his third start to go with seven relief appearances, positioned the Sox to gain a split of their split doubleheader with the Royals Friday night, holding the Royals in check in a 3-1 victory at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The Sox (23-14) have won seven of their last eight.

Kopech allowed two hits, including a homer by Carlos Santana in the third inning. After that, he struck out the side in the fourth and called it a night.

Codi Heuer (3-1) pitched a scoreless fifth, Aaron Bummer a perfect sixth and Liam Hendriks pitched a scoreless seventh for his eighth save.

Kopech struck out five and walked two, throwing 65 pitches, 40 for strikes. In three starts covering 12 innings, Kopech has allowed three runs. His ERA is 1.71 to go with 40 strikeouts in 26 ¹/₃ innings.

“He had Tommy John surgery, missed a full year, took last year off, and he’s come back to the team like a man on a mission,” Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito said. “His focus, his work ethic, it’s like he hasn’t lost a step after taking all that time off. It’s really, really impressive. It’s always a blast to watch him pitch because his stuff is absolutely electric. His mindset, everything emotional, just completely in control. It’s great to see.”

Vaughn homers again

After waiting 24 games to get his first career homer Wednesday, rookie Andrew Vaughn hit his second in three days, a 421-foot two-run shot to left-center against right-hander Jakob Junis that gave Kopech a 2-0 lead in the second inning of Game 2.

Vaughn has reached base in 22 of 27 games. He made his first start at first base, his natural position.

Signs of improvement, but Giolito still not there

Giolito (4.97 ERA) is still searching for the effectiveness that earned him the title of staff ace going into the season. Giolito and manager Tony La Russa both liked the way Giolito, who allowed wind-aided homers to Michael Taylor and Salvador Perez amounting to his five runs allowed, threw in Game 1, a 6-2 loss that ended the Sox’ six-game win streak.

“I thought I threw the ball well, but you know, three run homer, two-run homer — it’s not good,” Giolito said.

Giolito had better life on his fastball, got 18 swings and misses and struck out seven over six innings.

“I’m doing everything in my power to prepare, I’m going into these games very confident, and that’s all I can do,” he said.

“We found a mechanical adjustment earlier this week that works for me. I carried that into the game, I felt pretty good, but the results weren’t good. So that sucks.”

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The second-round pick from Oklahoma State is expected to replace veteran Charles Leno at left tackle as a rookie, but he wants to get his feet on the NFL ground before claiming the spot is his.

Bears rookie offensive tackle Teven Jenkins considers himself a fast learner. We’ll see about that.

The second-round draft pick (39th overall) from Oklahoma State prides himself on his versatility, but has played primarily on the right side of the offensive line since his pee-wee football days. Now he’s making a transition to left tackle for veteran Charles Leno. That’s a challenging move at almost any level but particularly so in the NFL, with the best pass rushers in the world often lining up against the left tackle for the best shot at a quarterback’s blind side.

“Just muscle memory,” Jenkins said. “Where you keep on doing it over and over and over until your body’s used to it. And you keep on doing it over and over until it just feels normal, like every day life. I’m about to become left-handed because that’s how I have to carry myself.”

The Bears cut Leno with Jenkins in mind, and the Topeka, Kan. native is technically back where he began last season. Jenkins started at left tackle in Oklahoma State’s opener, but two injuries on the offensive line against Tulsa forced the Cowboys into immediate juggling that ended up with Jenkins returning to right tackle in the next six games.

That prevented NFL teams from seeing what Jenkins could do at left tackle. But it also gave the Bears some insight into his character.

“You talk about an unselfish kid,” Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo said. “The first game, the right tackle got hurt. So the third tackle [Jake Springfield], Teven is dating his sister. Teven goes over to Jake and says, ‘Hey, which side do you feel more comfortable?’ And Jake says, ‘I feel more comfortable at left.’ So Teven says, ‘You play left. I’ll go play right.’”

That says a lot about Jenkins, but it still leaves his ability to play left tackle in the NFL a mystery. The Bear are counting on Jenkins athletic ability and versatility to make the transition happen relatively with minimum hiccups. “Teven has god-given ability and it’s my job to get that god-given ability to produce and perform,” Castillo said.

It might not be immediate or seamless. Even Castillo acknowledges that making changes in technique can be tricky. “Some guys take longer than others,” he said.

Jenkins took some baby steps on the first day of rookie mini-camp Friday at Halas Hall — a long, long way from a real introduction to the position. But the 6-6, 320-pound Jenkins knows he’s merely at “Start.” He’s pegged to be the Week 1 starter, but that’s a long way away.

“Right now I’m not even worried about that,” Jenkins said. “I’m worried about just getting in, knowing my plays, knowing players, getting to know my teammates, getting my feet wet in the scheme, doing all the techniques. That’s in the back of my head. Right now it’s for me to develop and progress and if it comes to that [starting at left tackle], that’s what it comes to because that’s what I’m here to do. Right now I’m just trying to learn everything I can.”

Jenkins has a lot to learn — about left tackle, the NFL, the Bears and Chicago. He had never been here before arriving for rookie mini-camp.

“I’ve never seen a skyscraper in person before — I definitely want to check it out,” Jenkins said. “I’m definitely excited for pizza, because I’m a big guy and I want to eat some more. Just getting to know more people around this area, make more friendships — that’s something I’m looking forward to.”

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