Bedard, the NHL's leading rookie scorer, came on late and was visible in Washington. But Chicago fell behind early and it turned out, well, pointless.
Not only are the losses, but the lopsided ones are starting to add up for the league-worst Chicago Blackhawks.
Even with Connor Bedard dancing and firing away.
Bedard was dancing away. USA Today Network, Geoff BurkeThe Washington Capitals, still hoping to sneak into the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, rolled to four-goal lead, then held on for a 4-1 win over the Blackhawks on Saturday night.
Chicago didn't score until Tyler Johnson deflected in Jarred Tinordi's shot from the point midway through the third period for his 13th goal. Johnson said the puck went in off his elbow as he slipped along the right side of the crease.
Johnson was on the list of Blackhawks players most likely to be moved before Friday's NHL trade deadline, but will close out the season with Chicago.
The Blackhawks ended a team-record 22-game losing streak with a solid 5-2 win at Arizona on Tuesday. That effort didn't carry over for Chicago, which has lost eight of nine overall and is 2-13-2 since Jan. 19.
Bedard Firing Away
Bedard became more visible as the game went on.Bedard attempted 15 shots and dazzled with all kinds of nifty moves. It was all too little, too late. The puck didn't end up in the net and Bedard was held without a point in 21:19 of ice time.
The league's leading rookie scorer put four shots on Caps goalie Charlie Lindgren, who finished with 29 saves. Bedard took five shots that were blocked and six that missed the net — including ones that hit the crossbar and post during a power play late in the third.
Bedard is tops among first-year players with 43 points and 148 shot on goal in 50 games. Johnson thought Bedard's assertive approach was great. See the following video.
Bedard showed his frustration as the game went on, something coach Luke Richardson has suggested the 18-year-old might tone down as part of his adjustment to the NHL.
"I liked his shot selection,"Richardson said."Unfortunately one hit the post and a couple just missed." See video.
Hendrix Lapierre, Michael Sgarbossa and Tom Wilson scored in the first period as the Caps jumped out to a 3-0 lead against sluggish Chicago.
"I didn't think we were physically and mentally into the game early and showed," Richardson said.
Sonny Milano scored for the fifth straight game, completing a 2-on-1, with 2:36 left it the second to up it to 4-0.
Petr Mrazek made 22 saves.
Athanasiou On Hold, Zaitsev Returns
Forward Andreas Athanasiou, sidelined since Nov. 9 with a groin/hip condition, took part in the morning skate, but was held out the lineup. A new return date wasn't set for Athanasiou, one of two returning 20-goal scorers from last year's team.
Defenseman Nikita Zaitsev skated 16:56 in his first game since Jan. 16 when he suffered a knee injury.