Explore the Chicago Blackhawks’ impressive start this season. Discover how Bedard is leading the league in points with 25.
What a week it was in Chicago Blackhawks hockey. A successful end to the road trip after defeating the Detroit Red Wings has Blackhawks fans feeling great, and for good reason(s).
Ben Pope from the Chicago Sun-Times observed that this is the best start the Blackhawks have had since the 2016 season. Yes, they have the league’s highest PDO again (1.043), but even Debbie-Downers can see that there’s more than just puck luck to the Hawks’ early success. Bedard leads the league in points with 25. The Hawks have looked good, goaltending has been excellent, and their superstar is a superstar.
Bedard’s shots per 60 at 5-on-5 is 8.41—64th overall among forwards with at least 50 minutes of icetime (according to Evolving Hockey). He’s shooting the puck at a much higher rate than last year (6.2/60) and is scoring goals with his deadly wrist shot. Considering Bedard’s linemates (no offense to Andre Burakovsky, who’s been solid), it’s an impressive start to Bedard’s season—a season where a new contract awaits him at the end and a potential to be on Team Canada’s roster. The best part about all of this is that I don’t think we’ve seen Bedard at his best this season. And that’s scary (in a great way).
Connor Bedard’s shot chart at 5-on-5.
Tasting Flight – Game Recaps
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I’ve already said my piece on the Blackhawks’ recent performance. By the way, Connor Bedard has 11 points in his last five games. There are other players who deserve recognition as well. Spencer Knight has continued his excellence (league leader in goals saved above expected with 13.3), Tyler Bertuzzi has six goals in three games, and Artyom Levshunov (mistakes and all) has five points in five games.
Closing Time – News Recap
About the only big news of the week that wasn’t covered in our last edition of Blackhawks On Tap was Frank Nazar’s injury. Nazar was injured during the victory against the Flames and left early. He is currently day-to-day but is expected to return soon (knock on wood).
Oct 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) skates with the puck during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at United Center.Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
What’s On Tap Next?
Only two games on the docket for the week as the Hawks return home. Wednesday’s game will put the Blackhawks’ success to the test as one of the best teams in the East comes to the West Side. Saturday will be a Centennial Celebration Night as the first 8,000 fans will receive a Tony Esposito bobblehead.
Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. New Jersey Devils – 8:30 p.m. CT
Saturday, Nov. 15 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs – 6:00 p.m. CT
Let’s Go Hawks.
Four Feathers Podcast – Blackhawks Road Trip Wraps