Bedard’s playmaking, blown lead, more from Blackhawks 3-2 loss to Ducks

Despite entering the third period with a lead, the Chicago Blackhawks were not able to hold on, losing 3-2 to the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center on Tuesday. With Connor Bedard registering a multi-point night tonight, let’s dive in with four thoughts.

1. Connor Bedard makes an impact for the Blackhawks

Connor Bedard might not have scored tonight, but he help make a difference for Chicago. Bedard registered two assists tonight, both on Jason Dickinson goals. Dickinson and Bedard might be a good match for Luke Richardson and the Hawks to continue to utilize.

Bedard seemed to have a tracker on Dickinson tonight, finding him for some big offensive chances like this one below:

high fives all around🫸🫷 pic.twitter.com/rHQSGaNyDr

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 20, 2024

The Hawks might have to play Anaheim every night for the next few weeks to help get Connor Bedard on the 4 Nations Face-off roster for Team Canada. Bedard has five points in his last two games against Anaheim and 11 points in five games overall.

2. Prospects shining bright

Outside of the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks had a number of prospects in action on Tuesday. The Rockford IceHogs beat the Texas Stars 5-2 on Tuesday, with some big goals from plenty of Hawks prospects.

Frank Nazar registered two goals, as did Colton Dach. Additionally, Landon Slaggert registered three assists and Cole Guttman registered two. Kevin Korchinski registered two assists and three shots on goal tonight as well. Korchinski has just one goal so far this season, but he does have four points in the IceHogs last four games.

The Blackhawks drafted Nick Lardis in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Lardis has 20 goals in 19 games, including back to back hat tricks.

https://t.co/clfx9oC690 pic.twitter.com/E4TvzzKRyi

— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) November 17, 2024

3. Blackhawks third period woes continue.

The Chicago Blackhawks entered tonight’s game 5-0-1 when leading after two periods. Chicago lost their first game in regulation when leading entering the final frame. It was a tough loss especially at home. The third period has long been the Hawks’ kryptonite, and unfortunately tonight was no different.

Chicago has been outscored 26 to 15 in the third period this season.

4. Vlasic puts in the work for Blackhawks

Alex Vlasic has been a major part of the Blackhawks blue line, especially in the absence of Seth Jones. Vlasic led the Hawks with 25:36 minutes of ice time, followed by Connor Murphy at 20:14. Much has been said about Vlasic’s role on the Hawks down the line, but he already looks like someone who can be a top pairing guy in Chicago.