With the Blackhawks scoring just one regulation goal in each of their past four games, it’s hard to put much of the blame on a 19-year-old who is the clear face of the franchise. After all, he’s still learning, having only just completed his 82nd game (after missing 14 with a fractured jaw last season). Connor Bedard has improved on the defensive end of the ice, essentially cutting opponents’ opportunities in half from last season. He’s getting even more opportunities than he did last season as well.
But the reality is that Bedard can’t find the net, and it’s hurting Chicago. He hasn’t scored in eight games, the longest drought in his NHL career and possibly his lifetime. Let’s face it – Bedard having three goals in 17 games overall is a huge problem for a team that has built around him.
The issues aren’t entirely Bedard’s fault. He isn’t getting much help from head coach Luke Richardson, whose job security has been called into question over the past few weeks. Bedard has rarely been surrounded by the same players twice, with his linemates being switched up almost every game. He’s played significant minutes alongside Teuvo Teravainen, Nick Foligno, Philipp Kurashev, Lukas Reichel, Ryan Donato, Taylor Hall, Ilya Mikheyev, and even Craig Smith. That’s more than half of the forwards on Chicago’s roster. Until the Blackhawks can find some consistency on the top line, he may not have too many opportunities to break out of his slump.
On Saturday, Bedard might get his best opportunity yet to finally give the Blackhawks some offensive production. That’s because he’s finally headed home for the first time in his NHL career as the Blackhawks travel to Vancouver to battle the Canucks, Bedard’s childhood team.
Bedard will certainly have plenty of support despite his team playing on the road. He joked earlier this week that he’ll be playing for free because of the number of tickets he had to get for friends and family. If there’s anything that can snap him out of his slump, it’s a trip back to where it all started.
The Blackhawks could certainly use his production. It has been made apparent this season that, despite Chicago’s several additions this summer, the team still lacks a second star forward. Before they can get back to playoff contention, they’ll need to add a skater to put pucks in the net. In the meantime, however, Bedard’s production should be the only thing keeping the offense from getting ugly. When he’s not scoring, well, it’s easy to see what happens.
