The Chicago Blackhawks had an impressive and strong start to the 2025-26 season, but around the quarter mark of the season, things started to go south. Connor Bedard continues to be an elite player after breaking out to that level this season, but it just isn't enough yet.
The Blackhawks are starting to sink back to where many expected them to be this season, not the force that they were, firing on all cylinders, for the first 20 games or so.
Bedard has 18 goals and 40 points in 29 games this season, but the Blackhawks are now 12-11-6, outside of a playoff spot, and have won two of their past 10 games (2-6-2), scoring 22 goals and allowing 42. Bedard has been in on 11 of those goals scored over that stretch.
While Bedard sits at 40 points, there are only two other players on the team with even 20 points, Frank Nazar (20) and Tyler Bertuzzi (25).
Not only does Bedard need help offensively from more supporting players, but the team also has to play better on the other side of the puck too. Chicago finished 31st in the NHL last season, so it was shocking that a lot seemed to be coming together all at once so soon to make them competitive.
Over the last two games, being blown out 6-0 and 7-1, they haven't been competitive. And if things continue to go the way they have and wins are harder to come by, the Blackhawks will keep sinking to the bottom of the standings and wait for next season.
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