The Chicago Blackhawks were defeated by the Nashville Predators on Thursday night, despite goals from Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi.
The Chicago Blackhawks have their first post-Olympic game in the books. A road game against the Nashville Predators is an entirely different viewing experience than Canada vs the United States in the Gold Medal Game, but the Blackhawks must remain focused on developing their roster.
It was a back-and-forth affair, as each team traded goals throughout the game. After two periods of play, they were tied up at one goal apiece.
After exchanging goals again in the early stages of the third period, a wild finish was in store. At 16:44 of the final frame, Ryan O'Reilly scored to give Nashville a 3-2 lead. Steven Stamkos eventually added an empty net goal, and the Predators sent the Blackhawks packing with a 4-2 loss.
Chicago's goals were scored by Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi. Each of these two players is working on scoring 30 goals with a long shot of reaching 40. Bertuzzi's was the 26th of his season while Bedard set a new career high with 24.
Speaking of Bedard, he was the best-looking Blackhawk in this game by a wide margin. He looked like a player who had to sit at home and watch Team Canada lose a heartbreaker in overtime to Team USA.
Bedard was one of their top snubs, and it didn't feel good to see them lose without him being there to help. You never know how things would have turned out for them had he made the team.
A motivated Bedard is a great thing for the Blackhawks. In a game that the team didn't play particularly well, on either side of the puck, he stood out.
If Bedard plays like that in most of their remaining 24 games, he will blow past 30 goals and set a career high in points, despite missing some time with his shoulder injury. He was a little bit lethargic coming back when he first returned to the lineup in January, but now he looks healthy and ready to make a difference.
Watch Every Chicago Goal
What’s Next For The Blackhawks?
The Blackhawks are back in action on Saturday evening when they take on the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. A matchup against the class of the league is a great test for this team, looking to bounce back from a tough loss in Nashville.
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