Since returning from a shoulder injury, Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks’ promising young talent, has yet to find the back of the net against a goaltender, despite playing eight games since his return. During this stretch, Bedard struggled again on Sunday, contributing to a 5-1 home defeat to the Florida Panthers, which ended Chicago’s three-game point streak.
In the last eight outings, Bedard has managed just one goal—an empty-netter—and three assists, a stark contrast to his impressive performance prior to his injury, where he tallied 19 goals and 25 assists over 31 games. Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill acknowledged the challenges of regaining form after a long absence. “There have been moments when he’s going good and moments where he hasn’t,” he remarked. “It’s hard to get your mojo back sometimes after being out for so long.”
Blashill also noted that the fluidity of the lines could be affecting Bedard’s game, suggesting that inconsistency in his linemates might hinder his ability to find a rhythm. “Sometimes you’re trying to help spark guys and you end up hurting them by making too many changes,” he explained. Despite these struggles, he emphasized that Bedard’s work ethic and commitment remain commendable.
Bedard seemed to carry confidence early in his return, reminiscent of his swift bounce-back from a broken jaw in his rookie season. Initially, he showcased his skills with a pair of impressive assists in his second game back, but a subsequent stomach bug led to a setback in his recovery.
As the Olympic break approaches, Bedard continues to seek his offensive groove. He recorded three shots on goal against the Panthers, but they lacked significant danger. Since returning, his scoring chance average has dropped sharply from 8.0 to 3.6 per 60 minutes of five-on-five play.
Moreover, Bedard has acknowledged increased turnovers and puck handling issues in the early stages of his comeback, although he felt he improved in recent performances. The changes to his linemates have also complicated his game; in the past weekend, he played alongside several different teammates, making it harder to find chemistry on the ice.
Adding to the challenges, Bedard has been reliant on others to take face-offs, but Blashill hinted at a commitment to a stable lineup moving forward, aiming to improve consistency and chemistry. The team’s struggling power-play unit has not helped matters either, going 0-for-3 against the Panthers and failing to score on their last 17 power-play attempts over seven games.
As the team aims for a turnaround, Coach Blashill is considering adjustments to improve the power play and enhance puck recovery efforts. With Bedard and the Blackhawks at a crossroads, there remains optimism that better days are ahead, both for the player and the team as they navigate the challenges of the NHL season.