Blackhawks Game Day
Blackhawks at Canucks: Bedard’s Homecoming, Keys to Success
Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks go to Vancouver for a big matchup for star forward Connor Bedard. Bedard will play his first game in his hometown, Vancouver.
Bedard grew up a fan of the Vancouver Canucks, making tonight’s game all the more meaningful. He was out with injury the last time these two teams met in Vancouver last season so tonight he has one more “rookie” experience.
This is a big game for Bedard. It was always exciting seeing Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane play in their hometowns. While both eventually made Chicago their home, as will Bedard, it is always exciting to see stars play where it all began for them.
Over the course of his career, Toews played in 20 games in Winnipeg. During that time he registered five goals and nine assists, good enough for 14 points. Kane registered 14 points in 12 games in Buffalo.
Tonight, Bedard has an opportunity to shine in his hometown, with family and friends in the crowd. But it will certainly be a big challenge.
Vancouver Canucks Leaders:
Points: Quinn Hughes (16)
Goals: Brock Boeser (6)
Assists: Quinn Hughes (13)
Shots: Quinn Hughes (55)
TOI: Quinn Hughes (24:57)
Key to Success:
The Vancouver Canucks are a tough team, and tonight’s road matchup will be a big test for the Hawks. Chicago’s last matchup with Vancouver was a frustrating 6-3 loss at home, it was a game where on paper the Hawks did a lot right, outshooting and winning 59.7 percent of the faceoffs.
The Blackhawks were 1 for 5 on the power play during their last matchup with Vancouver. The Canucks were 2 for 3, a big boost to help get them the win. So, a big goal for tonight has to be winning the special teams battle.
Blackhawks to Watch:
Connor Bedard has not scored a goal since Oct. 26 against the Dallas Stars. The 19 year old forward has just four points in his last eight games. A lot has been said about Bedard’s struggles to begin the season, but if there was any game to rewrite the narrative it would be tonight against Vancouver.
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