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RECAP: Bedard, Blackhawks fly past Jets 2–1

  
RECAP: Bedard, Blackhawks fly past Jets 2–1
Connor Bedard celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime as the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday night. (Photo courtesy of ESPN)

The Chicago Blackhawks returned to action tonight against the visiting Winnipeg Jets after the NHL holiday break. The Hawks’ lineup got a boast with the return of Alex Vlasic. Vlasic lasted appeared in a game on Dec. 14 against Seattle.

Here was the lineup for tonight’s matchup:

First period

In the first period, the Jets’ top line came out fast and furious, peppering Petr Mrazek with shot after shot early in the period. Despite being outplayed for the most of the period, the Blackhawks got on the board first. Connor Bedard scored his first goal at the United Center since Nov. 4.

The first period ended with Chicago leading 1–0.

Second period

In the second period, the Jets got on the score sheet with a goal from Morgan Barron to even the game up. While the Hawks have been outshot 26–11, the second period ended with the score tied at 1–1.

Third period

In the third period, the action was fast and furious with both team registering A-plus chances. Mrazek continued standing on his head in the third period. With less than a minute to play, Taylor Raddysh made a desperate attempt to end the game in regulation, but Connor Hellebuyck saved the chance.

This game was tied after three periods and the United Center fans got bonus hockey.

Overtime

In overtime there was mass chaos, with Kevin Korchinski not shooting on a 3-on-1 opportunity to nearly giving the game away with an errant pass in front of his own net. Thankfully Mrazek was up to the task of stopping multiple point-blank chances. Vlasic finally cleared the zone to Bedard, who snapped off the game-winning goal before following it up with the “it’s over” celebration.

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Analysis

The Hawks got exceptional goaltending from Mrazek, as has been the case all season, and the team would have not won this game without Mrazek. Bedard is going to the credit for tonight’s victory, but Mrazek was the best player on the ice. While the Hawks’ plan might not be to trade Mrazek, teams should be calling the Hawks about his availability.

In addition to great goaltending, the Hawks’ penalty kill turned in a great night. They surrendered one shot in four kills throughout the game. Defenseman Connor Murphy also earned the third star of the game; the second star being previously mentioned in Mrazek.

The first start of the game was Bedard. He continued on his Calder campaign adding two goals, including the game winner. He now leads the NHL in first-period goals with 13. His second goal of the game was his first overtime winner as a member of the Blackhawks.

While some think Bedard’s play has not been as special as other rookies, here are some more Bedard stats. He has eight points in his last five games and is on pace for a 77-point season. In that five-game span, he has scored on the Michigan and scored a game-winning overtime goal.

If his pace continues, Bedard would have the most points since Mathew Barzal’s 2017–18 campaign. One could argue that Bedard’s season is even more impressive than Barzal’s because of the lack of talent around him. Barzal played with John Tavares, a healthy Josh Bailey, Anders Lee and Jordan Eberle. While the Islanders were not world beaters, their talent level far exceeded this Blackhawks team. If (or, really, when) Bedard wins the Calder, he would be the first Blackhawk to win since Artemi Panarin won for the Hawks in 2015–16 with 77 points.

This is how the Blackhawks need to play to win games this season. They need great goaltending and a clutch goal or two from their star.

The Hawks’ next game is Friday against the Dallas Stars at 7 p.m. CST.

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