Connor Bedard is a generational talent that has already shown the NHL and the world just what we're in store for in the coming years. At just 18 years old and with very limited help this season, the rookie sensation has put up 22 goals and 59 points in 63 games for the last-place Chicago Blackhawks, making him the top candidate for the Calder Trophy Bedard's season has not been without its bumps though as he suffered a fractured jaw on Jan. 5 on a hit by Devils defenseman Brendan Smith in New Jersey. The rookie returned on Feb. 15 versus Pittsburgh wearing a full polycarbonate face shield, a.k.a. a fishbowl as players like to call it. Bedard sees and plays through the shield just fine. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NDY5NTUwNDcxMjkyNDE0/usatsi_22930293_168401008_lowres.jpg] Bedard sees and plays through the shield just fine. There has arguably been more people talking about the performances Bedard has put on after returning from his injury and donning the face shield, so we're going to dive in a little deeper into the comparison of his before and after. Let's also keep in mind that some players take time to get back into the swing of things after injuries, but not the Blackhawks' rookie. Bedard played 39 games for the Blackhawks before getting injured and scored 15 goals along with 33 points. "Fishbowl Bedard" has seven goals and 26 points in 24 games. Bedard has worn a shield before when mandated in competition. He said it doesn't really bother him. It has definitely helped that the Blackhawks, led by the rookie, have scored more on the power play since his return. He has recorded 12 power-play points in his last 24 games after only eight on the man advantage in the 39 games to start the season. When comparing before and after, he's had the same opportunity on the Blackhawks' top power-play unit, so Bedard is just adjusting and getting better quickly. Bedard is playing 1 minute and 50 seconds more per game since returning from the injury. Head coach Luke Richardson said that he's giving the young players even more opportunities since they've earned it, and this is what he means. See video. Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson speaks on the increased role given to his young players and how they've handled it well. Bedard's shooting percentage is down while wearing the fishbowl from 12.7% to 8.6%, but his shot totals are up from 3.02 shots-per-game to 3.38. Take the shooting percentage with a grain of salt. His release is incredible and he will score a ton of goals in the NHL over his career. Shooters' goals and shooting percentages fluctuate over different stretches. Remember, Bedard is seeing all of these NHL-caliber goalies for the first time. He figured out every other level and will surely do so in this league. The fishbowl is a fun comparison for Bedard, but it looks like nothing is going to slow him down. What he has done is very impressive and I have no doubt that he is going to live up to the hype. Bedard is already well on his way. RECENT BLACKHAWKS NEWS Joel Quenneville: Would Have Fired Brad Aldrich If He Knew Details [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/joel-quenneville-would-have-fired-brad-aldrich-if-he-knew-details] Former Maple Leafs Goalie Petr Mrazek Having Stellar Season for Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/former-maple-leafs-goalie-petr-mrazek-having-stellar-season-for-blackhawks] Connor Bedard Praised By Calder Competitor Brock Faber: "He's A Superstar." [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/connor-bedard-praised-by-calder-competitor-brock-faber-hes-a-superstar] Blackhawks Send Top Defenseman Prospect Wyatt Kaiser Back To AHL Rockford [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/blackhawks-send-top-defenseman-prospect-wyatt-kaiser-back-to-ahl-rockford]
