The sixth-seeded Chicago Blackhawks are clearly a long way from the top of the Central Division. The Jeff Blashill-led squad has struggled to defend their goal while also failing to generate points of their own. It was all evident in their 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. The fact that Connor Bedard was also unable to produce despite his hot start to the season raised eyebrows.

Bedard struggles at the United Center

Coach Blashill gave Bedard 17:41 minutes on the ice. Throughout that time, the Blackhawks star could find the back of the net despite having three shots on goal. He would then end up finishing the game with a plus-minus of -3. This loss to the Panthers was not the first time that the Chicago center struggled. Notably, he suffered a right shoulder injury that kept him out of the Blackhawks rotation for 12 games.

Throughout the past eight games since his injury return on January 9, he has only notched a goal and three assists for a total of four points.

With Teuvo Teravainen also out for six games now, the Blackhawks offense needed something more from Bedard. However, Coach Blashill was very understanding of his center’s need for more recovery time and reps on the ice. He outlined his assessment of the Blackhawks center after their loss, via Bruce Miles of NHL.com.

“Yeah, I think he’d be the first to tell you, since he’s been back, I think there have been moments when he’s going good and moments where he hasn’t. That’s the ebb and flow of reality at times of the year. That’s what happens with guys sometimes. You’re out a long time, and it’s hard to get your mojo back sometimes. He’s just working his mojo back. We’ve got to play with the lines. Maybe that’s hurt him, not having consistency there,” Blashill said.

The Blackhawks have now lost two-straight games at their home ice. Hopefully, they are able to turn things around to catch up with the other teams in the Central Division. Before the Olympic break, Chicago will go against the Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Will a Bedard scoring outburst get them out of their rut?

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