A new era in Chicago Blackhawks hockey was ushered in when they won the 2023 NHL draft lottery and secured the opportunity to draft phenom Connor Bedard. Bedard’s professional career has already seen a rapid start, with his first goal in Game 2 and assists in the other two contests.
Since being drafted, Bedard’s rookie campaign has garnered much attention. In order to keep fans and hockey enthusiasts updated, we provide a game-by-game breakdown of Bedard’s performance thus far. It is worth noting that the most recent games are listed first.
On October 16, the Blackhawks played against the Maple Leafs and emerged victorious with a 4-1 win. While the team performed admirably, Bedard failed to register a point in this game. However, it is essential to spotlight that in Bedard’s final season of junior hockey, he had more games with five points than games with zero points. As such, it is reasonable to expect great things from this talented player.
On October 14, the Blackhawks faced off against the Canadiens and unfortunately suffered a 2-3 defeat. Bedard did manage to contribute to the game by assisting Tyler Johnson’s second goal. This performance demonstrated Bedard’s ability to make an impact, even in challenging circumstances.
In the team’s second game of the season on October 11, they battled against the Bruins and fell short with a score of 1-3. However, Bedard managed to score the first regular-season goal of his career, showcasing his potential and talent as a rookie.
A highly anticipated matchup occurred in Bedard’s first game on October 10 when the Blackhawks took on the Penguins. The game garnered attention due to the faceoff between Bedard and his childhood idol, Sidney Crosby. Bedard’s night included winning the first faceoff against Crosby and assisting Ryan Donato’s goal. This game undoubtedly marked a memorable moment in Bedard’s young career.
Looking ahead, we provide the upcoming games in the Blackhawks’ schedule. It is important to note that all games not broadcast by NHL Network, TNT, or TBS are available to ESPN+ subscribers at no additional cost via NHL PowerPlay.
On October 19, the Blackhawks will face the Colorado Avalanche in an exciting match set to be aired on ESPN. This game presents another opportunity for Bedard to showcase his skills. Subsequent games include a matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 21, a faceoff against the Boston Bruins on October 24 (to be broadcast on ESPN/ESPN+), an away game versus the Vegas Golden Knights on October 27 (airing on NHL Network), and a showdown with the Arizona Coyotes on October 30.
Moving into November, the Blackhawks will face off against the Florida Panthers on November 4, the New Jersey Devils on November 5 (broadcast on NHL Network), the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 9, the Florida Panthers again on November 12, and another game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 16 (to be aired on ESPN+/Hulu).
In conclusion, the Chicago Blackhawks’ acquisition of Connor Bedard has undoubtedly sparked a new era in the team’s history. Bedard’s early performances have provided glimpses of his incredible potential, and fans can eagerly anticipate watching his development throughout the remainder of the 2023-24 NHL season. With several upcoming games on the schedule, Bedard will have ample opportunities to showcase his skills and make a lasting impact in the league.