Blackhawks Game #64: Connor Bedard Goes To Washington

The Chicago Blackhawks (16-43-4) head to nation’s capital to take on the Washington Capitals (29-23-9). Puck drop is at 6pm.

Previously on Blackhawks Hockey:

Powered by four power play goals, the Blackhawks beat the Arizona Coyotes 5-2 Tuesday night. The win snapped a 22-game road losing skid as well as a seven-game losing streak. Seth Jones had a pair of goals and Connor Bedard had two assists–giving him a team leading 26.

How to Watch and Listen

TV: NBC Sports Chicago
Radio: WGN 720

Scouting the Opponent & Miscellaneous Musings

The Blackhawks shed a couple brutal losing streaks on Tuesday. Now, can they notch a second winning streak for the season?

Over the course of the final six weeks of the season, the Blackhawks play a chunk of teams fighting for playoff spots. They also take on teams who are trying to secure a favorable lottery position. So the final 18 games of the season features some interesting scenarios for a team that has known its fate for some time.

With the trade deadline come and gone, the Hawks now have their roster for the rest of the season, perhaps with some late season additions with Landon Slaggert if Notre Dame’s season ends soon. Will he play an entire slate of games? Perhaps just a handful? Could he just go to Rockford?

First he has to sign. But for Blackhawks fans seeking things to watch for, there’s a big one. Similar to how Alex Vlasic showed up once his college season was complete last year, it’ll be more of the same this season. With Rockford rolling and much of that roll a part of prospects like Ethan Del Mastro playing big minutes, it’s likely that he’ll remain there instead of getting a cup of coffee. Those minutes are far more important.

But with every roster move made between now and then, it’s evident that roster spots for next season are also being fought over. There are 11 players on the current roster heading into a contract season. Six are unrestricted free agents.

They have plenty to play for–knowing that not all will be back–even those that are restricted free agents. The Blackhawks brass are already turning their attention to who fits where for not only the final six weeks–but also heading into the offseason.

So while the games look like they’re just a formality, there’s still a lot to play for from several Hawks.

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