Connor Bedard Has Been a Bright Spot in an Otherwise Forgettable Blackhawks Season

Rookie center Connor Bedard scored a goal and had four assists as the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Anaheim Ducks 7-2 at the United Center March 12th. The five point game was the most productive game of his career so far, and although he missed some games due to injury, Bedard has scored 20 goals and has 31 assists in 52 games. He leads the team in both categories, and has lived up to the hype surrounding his entry into the NHL.

His season is remarkable considering just how bad the Blackhawks are in this rebuilding season. The win improved their record to an underwhelming 18-43-5. The win over Anaheim was their second in a row, something they’ve only done twice this season. They’ve also had some bad luck. Veteran forward Taylor Hall was signed to be some veteran leadership and to provide some offense, but he suffered a season ending injury after just 10 games. Another veteran forward brought in for the same reason, Corey Perry, was unconditionally released after 16 games due to misconduct with a team employee. Perry apologized and said he would seek treatment for substance abuse. He has since joined the Edmonton Oilers.

The Blackhawks anemic offense has scored seven goals in each of the two consecutive wins. That good news is tempered by the fact that they beat Anaheim (23-39-3) and Arizona (26-35-5), neither of which is within shouting distance of the playoffs. The Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks have both already been eliminated from reaching the post season. Still, if Chicago is finding some scoring touch as they close out the season it will give the team a little hope for the future.