Blackhawks Daily: Oilers Still Spiraling; Bedard ‘Figuring It Out’

We’ll use a little juxtaposition this morning as one end of the spectrum, the Chicago Blackhawks seemed to figure some things out in a 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. On the other, the Edmonton Oilers seem to be as well–just for all the wrong reasons.

as jay woodcroft and dave manson walk off the ice after the oilers loss to san jose, woodcroft appears to say “that might be it” to manson, who appears to respond with “yup.” pic.twitter.com/Qd1b8fNfAX

— zach (@zjlaing) November 10, 2023

The Oilers, seemingly given a lay up from the hockey gods, fell to the San Jose Sharks 3-2 on Thursday night, allowing the Sharks to tie them in wins. Remember, the Sharks were 0-10-1 not too long ago and how at 2-9-1, the calls are coming to make a massive change for the Oilers.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks enjoyed a 5-3 win courtesy of four points from Connor Bedard, whose two goals and two assists–both primary–really seemed to be the first of what will be many warning shots to the league that yes, he is the real deal.

Luke Richardson on Connor Bedard after his four-point outing: "He's been here for a dozen games now, he's starting to really figure it out." #Blackhawks

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 10, 2023

12 games played. 11 points (7-4) on the season. Safe to say that may very well be the case.

But the Oilers provide a very cautionary tale for the Blackhawks–that no matter how good it all looks on paper and no matter the collection of talent there, they must be hitting all the right notes. It’s beyond coaching, and if they’re going to make a clean sweep–it may very well corral general manger Ken Holland, too.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• Speaking of the Edmonton Oilers, what’s your poison? Gutting out a rebuild with some years on it or watching your Stanley Cup contender team absolutely disappoint?
• The Blackhawks 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning had goals from Connor Bedard and Kevin Korchinski
• With video, a look at Korchinski’s first goal in the NHL and how the young defenseman is absolutely what the Blackhawks–and their fans–thought he was
• Thursday’s game gives Blackhawks fans a glimpse of what can be down the road
• It’s never too early for a 2024 NHL Draft primer–a look at where the Blackhawks sit and who some of the top picks could be

Western Conference Wrap

Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche lost more than just the game on Thursday. They may have lost one of their better players, too.

Nashville Hockey Now: The Nashville Predators have the Calgary Flames as an example while they go through some growing pains.

Vegas Hockey Now: Here’s something you don’t see everyday: the Vegas Golden Knights are on a two-game….losing streak

Hockey Now Network Hat Trick

Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins took care of business, beating the New York Islanders 5-2 and continuing their rise at the top of the East

Detroit Hockey Now: It looked like the Detroit Red Wings were turning a corner. But their recent slide shows that there’s still quite a bit to figure out. Five reasons why Detroit is sputtering right now.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It wasn’t their best effort, but the Pittsburgh Penguins earned a scrappy win all the while figuring their own business out after some early struggles