Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard has a frustrating goal drought spanning 12 games. Though it is only his NHL second season, this is the longest timespan the 19-year-old has gone without scoring a goal in his hockey career. The last time he scored a goal was on October 26 in the loss to the Dallas Stars. He has 3 goals and 12 assists through 21 games. Bedard has 2 assists through the last 7 games.
Connor Bedard last off the ice for the #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/66i78uxD8H
— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) November 22, 2024
Bedard does not shy away from the questions or talking about his slump. On Friday, he said: “Obviously, it’s been a little bit (of a stretch) for me. So like I said, just kind of keep going in every game, trying to be the best me and hopefully things got to come.”
Connor Bedard’s Rookie Season Was Nothing Like This
Last season, Bedard was the Blackhawks leading scorer with 61 points (22 goals and 39 assists) in 68 games. He also was the NHL’s top rookie scorer.
His game has not changed so his goal-scoring drought is a head-scratcher for everyone involved in Chicago.
If he hasn’t already, Bedard should listen to Mike Johnson’s on-air advice directed at him. It is concise, positive, and indicative of what makes the NHL great. Former players do not berate the current players which is not always the case in other professional sports.
“If I [were] to talk to Connor Bedard, I would just say, ‘Connor, you’re great for a reason. You have skills that other players don’t have. Don’t forget that.'”
– @mike_p_johnson on his advice for the #Blackhawks star amid his confidence-shaking goal slump pic.twitter.com/zlLikipil4
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) November 23, 2024
Could Connor Bedard Change Positions?
There is discussion about moving him from center to left wing. Bedard admits that left wing is “a lot less work,” and he is not opposed to switching positions to find his groove.
Bedard is not the only Blackhawk with scoring woes. The Blackhawks are 7-12-2 and average 2.35 goals per game consistent with their 3-2 loss in Philadelphia on Saturday.
