Connor Bedard had some remarkable games this season, but his play on March 12 was exceptional. The new player had a goal and four assists for his first career 5-point game while playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Anaheim Ducks, 7-2.
“Is that all he managed?” Bedard’s teammate, Nick Foligno, joked after the game. “I’m proud of him. That’s the level of performance he can bring to our team.”
Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and a strong contender for rookie of the year, achieved his personal best fifth point in a single game when he assisted on Tyler Johnson’s power-play goal in the middle of the third period against the Ducks.
Bedard’s Blackhawks Continue Their Winning Streak with Second Consecutive 7-Goal Game
Bedard has gathered 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) in his last two games, including 2 goals and an assist in Chicago’s 7-4 victory over the Arizona Coyotes on March 10. As per the Blackhawks’ official website, this marks the first instance in over thirty years where the team has achieved back-to-back seven-goal games.
The Blackhawks became the first NHL team to be officially eliminated from playoff contention this season on March 9, following the 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights' 5-3 win against the Detroit Red Wings. Chicago ranks second-to-last in the NHL standings with 41 points and has now failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for four straight seasons.
Yet, the Blackhawks — and particularly Bedard — have recently been putting up a fight as though they still have something to strive for. After a dry spell of eight consecutive games without a goal, Bedard’s five-point performance against the Ducks elevated his total to 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in the last four games.
“I don’t really know,” Bedard said when asked to explain the reason behind his recent successful run. “I always try to approach the game with the same mindset, attempting to maintain consistency in my play. It’s ironic; I endured a streak of eight games without scoring a goal, then I had a couple of significant ones, and people tend to overlook that. I don’t know; I believe I’m simply sticking to what works, and I've been fortunate to have a couple of successful games in the last two.”
Bedard Continues to Strengthen His Case for the Calder Trophy
The anticipation was already high at the beginning of the season for a talent like Bedard; yet, the 18-year-old sensation has surpassed expectations.
Bedard leads the Blackhawks and all NHL rookies with 51 points (20 goals, 31 assists) in 52 games this season; Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber is second with 38 points (6 goals, 32 assists). Bedard seems to be a shoo-in for the Calder Trophy, presented annually to the NHL’s top rookie, even despite missing over a month of playing time earlier this season due to a fractured jaw.
Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson commended Bedard for “playing the right way” and continuing to enhance his defensive game while also maintaining a near point-per-game rate.
“That’s what I’m thrilled about, seeing him mature as a young man and a player in this league who will dominate for years to come, while understanding how he will achieve that,” Foligno remarked after Bedard’s 5-point display. “It's quite intimidating because if he begins to figure it out and has nights like this, he’s going to make the entire league take notice.”
