Blackhawks' Richardson, Foligno make their feelings known about Connor Bedard's failing linemates experiments

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Nov 12, 2024 05:50 GMT

Chicago Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson and forward Nick Foligno discussed finding the best linemates for Connor Bedard on Monday. The 19-year-old center has faced a constant rotation of wingers, making it hard to find consistency.

Bedard leads the team with 13 points in 16 games, but his scoring has slowed. He has only four points in the last seven games.

Richardson knows stability is key to Bedard’s growth and is trying to find the right combinations. But he is balancing between keeping a steady lineup and experimenting to find what works best.

‘‘He has to find that consistency, no matter who he’s playing with,’’ Richardson said (via the Chicago Sun-Times). ‘‘But we do have to look at the numbers and see who he’s playing well with, just like everybody else, and maybe go back [to something that worked]. It’s definitely in the bingo machine.’’

This season, Bedard has played alongside various wingers, including Teuvo Teravainen, Nick Foligno, Lukas Reichel, and Ryan Donato, spending no more than 57% of his time with any one teammate. The frequent changes have made it difficult for Bedard to find his rhythm.

Foligno, who has recently played with Bedard, believes stability is important for both Bedard and the team.

‘‘It’s partly on the player and partly on the coaches to get you to find a rhythm...,’’ Foligno said. ‘‘As much as you want to see [Bedard] get with consistent [linemates], we’ve got to get on a roll as a team. Usually, that breeds more consistency and more chemistry with your linemates."

Connor Bedard himself has expressed a desire to make a bigger impact.

‘‘Earlier in the year, I was making a lot of plays, [feeling] pretty dangerous out there...,’’ Bedard said.

He understands that contributing despite the changing lines is part of his growth as a player.

Connor Bedard sees season-low TOI in win over Minnesota Wild

The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 2-1 in overtime on Sunday at the United Center amid Connor Bedard's reduced time on ice. Philipp Kurashev scored the winning goal 1:50 into overtime, assisted by Seth Jones.

Jason Dickinson scored first for the Blackhawks late in the first period. He got the puck along the boards, moved to the slot, and scored on a wrist shot. Minnesota’s Matt Boldy tied the game 1-1 in the third period off a pass from Kirill Kaprizov.

Connor Bedard had 16:40 minutes of ice time, his lowest this season, with two shots but no points. Chicago goalie Petr Mrazek made 32 saves, including several in a tough third period.