10 observations: Connor Bedard’s unexpected comeback in the Blackhawks’ defeat is spoiled by Sidney Crosby and the Penguins first broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago
The Pittsburgh Penguins, who defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Thursday at the United Center, ruined Connor Bedard’s comeback.
Ten observations from the defeat are as follows:
1. After missing the previous 14 games due to a fractured jaw, Bedard unexpectedly made an early comeback. He was supposed to play the next week. Following his Wednesday doctor’s exam, he received authorization to make contact, and on Thursday morning, the Blackhawks put him through some contact exercises to get him ready for play in the field. It’s back, number 98.
2. Despite playing in the first period and seeing both of Pittsburgh’s goals, Bedard appeared rusty. In the second one, a rush the other way started as soon as his cross-ice pass in the attacking zone was intercepted. After that, Bedard calmed down wonderfully and produced a lovely primary assist for Philipp Kurashev’s goal. For the remainder of the game, he was without a doubt Chicago’s best player.
3. After the bye week, Arvid Söderblom got his first start, and it wasn’t an easy one. Despite the fact that Pittsburgh’s second goal resulted from a Bedard fumble, I believed he should have scored. It has been nearly three months since Nov. 24, the day he last experienced victory.
4. Sidney Crosby had an incredible performance in this game; he scored four points at the United Center the previous season. He scored twice in the game, the first coming only 15 seconds in. His incredible backhand attempt in the second half went over the crossbar, denying him a third. This season, he is expected to score 48 goals, which would be a career best since he scored 51 in the 2009–10 campaign. He is also 36 years old. What a teammate.
5. Seth Jones and Alex Vlasic, the Blackhawks’ starting duo, didn’t play their best. When the two teams were on the ice, Pittsburgh outscored Chicago 3-0, and according to Natural Stat Trick, the Penguins had a 6-1 advantage in high-danger chances.
6. The Blackhawks successfully completed their lone penalty of the match. They have an 89.1% percentage after going 41-for-46 on the kill since January 5. In the NHL at that time, it is ranked #1.
7. Last season, the Penguins triumphed in Chicago for the first time since February 27, 2009. During their previous eight games at the United Center, they had a record of 0-5-3. The Penguins have now triumphed in two straight games in Chicago.
8. The Penguins’ situation isn’t ideal. In the Eastern Conference, they are five points behind the final wildcard spot, and Jake Guentzel’s injury might keep him out for up to four weeks. It would be intriguing to watch what General Manager and Penguins President Kyle Dubas does on trade deadline day on March 8.
9. This season, Lukas Reichel was scratched four times due to injury. Luke Richardson, the head coach of the Blackhawks, is aware of the sensitive circumstance in which the player finds himself right now, saying, “We realize when players are down on themselves and we don’t want to pile on but it’s the NHL.” We need to help them in some way to overcome it, and a lot of it is on the player’s inside. We are only able to provide them with a limited amount of video corrections or positive reinforcement to try to improve their confidence in their game.”
10. On Wednesday afternoon, the Blackhawks placed forward Rem Pitlick on waivers. On Thursday, he was cleared to play and sent to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. His primary role was to cover for the Blackhawks as they battled with a number of ailments.