Instant Analysis: Connor Bedard Gets 4 Points in Blackhawks Win

Yeah….that’s the Connor Bedard that Chicago Blackhawks fans and millions more around the league were waiting for. Bedard recorded four points in Chicago’s 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Not that anyone was doubting it, but for those still holding onto some schadenfreude at anything that happens to the Blackhawks and Bedard–they were sorely disappointed Thursday night.

Bedard joins a slew of former Blackhawks who recorded four points in their rookie campaign and was one shy of tying the franchise rookie record held by Ken Wharram all the way back in 1954. It gives him 11 points in 12 games.

#Blackhawks stats for the night.

Bedard joins 28 other Blackhawks rookies in having a four-point night. Names include @The1Tab favorite Steve Larmer. Other Notables:
Bobby Hull, Denis Savard, Edzo, Jeremy Roenick, Alex DeBrincat, Artemi Panarin, and Brent Seabrook.

— Nate Brown (@NBrownChiHN) November 10, 2023

While Bedard stood out, Kevin Korchinski notched his first goal of the season in a contest that belonged to the rookies Chicago hopes will be the anchors over the next decade.

The Blackhawks fell behind early but it was Bedard who answered to even things up at one. After the Lightning jumped ahead 2-1, Korchinski potted his first of the year on a shot that bounced off a skate and in. It was Tyler Johnson next, on a two-on-one play where Bedard feathered a pass for Johnson’s fourth of the season.

It was Bedard again making it 4-2 Chicago at the end of the first period, giving the Hawks arguably their best first frame of the season.

Corey Perry notched his third goal of the season, this time on the power play with a primary assist from–you guessed it–Connor Bedard.

In what was the Blackhawk’s best performance of the season, zapping Tampa with some lightning-fast goals  never allowing them to recover after burying the first four.

Though the win did come with some injuries.

Injury Bug Bites Blackhawks Hard in Win

Jarred Tinordi was the first to suffer injury, not retuning after playing in the first period. Andreas Athanasiou was next, skating off midway through the second period. Taylor Hall was the last of three, favoring his knee as he was helped off the ice late in the third period.

Through the first twelve games, the Blackhawks had been fortunate when it came to avoiding the trainer’s table. Now, the medical staff will be busy after seeing three hurt in Tampa.

Hall’s injury is especially problematic, as his presence provides a jumpstart for a Blackhawks offense that missed him after he missed a couple games due to a shoulder injury.

The Blackhawks certainly had a nice win Thursday night. But it also cost a trio of players.

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