Connor Bedard vents frustration over missing aspect despite 3-point night in win over Ducks
Connor Bedard played well on Sunday night against the Anaheim Ducks, registering three assists in the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-2 win.
However, Bedard is frustrated with his goal-scoring drought. After the game, he admitted:
"It's been tough for me to put them in. Might need a little magic here soon. ... I just can't score to save my life right now. So. hopefully, soon, but we'll see."
His words reveal the pressure he feels to score, despite his strong contributions to the team.
Coach Luke Richardson praised Bedard’s improvement over his previous game, noting his speed and smart positioning. He added that Bedard created several breakaway chances, which helped drive the Blackhawks’ offense.
“Much better game today than (he had) yesterday. He was moving his feet better and playing a smarter game, where he was above and made them try to go through us and it created a couple of breakaway chances,” Richardson said.
Bedard’s assists were crucial, showing his value even when he’s not scoring.
Connor Bedard ties Bobby Hull record as the Chicago Blackhawks defeat the Ducks
Connor Bedard’s performance on Sunday was significant, as it was his 11th career multi-assist game, tying him with Bobby Hull for the second-most among Blackhawks teenagers.
Only Patrick Kane, with 13, ranks higher. Connor Bedard ranks third for multipoint games by a Chicago teen, just behind Eddie Olczyk and Kane, placing him in elite company.
Other Blackhawks stepped up in the victory as well. Isaak Phillips, Ryan Donato, Seth Jones and Teuvo Teravainen found the back of the net, with Teravainen snapping his 10-game scoring drought. The team has now won three of their last four games, showing improved offensive chemistry as they host the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.
Goaltender Arvid Soderblom also had a solid performance, making 37 saves for his first win of the season.
“I have, in the back of my head, a lot of small details that I’m improving,” Soderblom said (via chicago.suntimes.com). “It makes the game feel a little slower. I play a little calmer (and) let the game come to me instead of chasing it.”
The Ducks, 1-3-1 in their last five games, saw goals from Brock McGinn and Mason McTavish but continued to struggle when they don’t score first. Chicago has had consistent success against Anaheim, with 10 wins in their last 13 matchups, including five of the last seven games at the Honda Center.