Tyler Bertuzzi - Jan. 5 Chicago Blackhawks Media Availability postgame The Chicago Blackhawks have been blown out in four of their last five games. None of that seems to matter anymore as the only thing people are focused on right now is the development of Connor Bedard. There are detractors out there because he isn’t at the level of Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews despite being called a “generational talent” while playing major junior. Those are unrealistic expectations right away in the NHL for various reasons. For Bedard, the biggest reason is the team he’s on. They are in danger of having the worst record in the NHL which tells you just how poorly things have been going as a unit. For Bedard on a personal level, however, he is making the best of it. After 40 games played, Bedard has 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points. For being on a lousy team with mediocre lineups and two head coaches so far, it’s not bad production at all. Oh, and he’s 19 years old. Right now, Bedard is riding a 7-game point streak. The fact of the matter is that he does have one teammate that he’s been dynamite with lately and that’s Tyler Bertuzzi. Although he isn’t surrounded by a ton of young everyday NHL players yet, having a veteran like Bertuzzi isn’t the worst thing in the world. Over Bedard’s seven-game point streak, he has 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points. The funny thing is that all six of those assists are on goals scored by Tyler Bertuzzi. Tyler Bertuzzi was brought to the Blackhawks with the idea that he would play with Bedard and be that strong presence on the wing. Early in the season, it didn't materialize into that. Lately, however, it's been a great pair on Chicago's top line. Having six goals over the last nine games is great for Bertuzzi who has been one of a few bright spots on a dull time for the team. In addition to being an offensive weapon for Bedard to play with, Bertuzzi is a no-nonsense power forward who isn't afraid to mix it up with anyone who even looks at Bedard funny. That's important. People need to do what they came to Chicago to do and although it took a bit of time, Bertuzzi is doing that now. Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/] team site to stay updated on the latest news [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-newshttps://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news], game-day [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/game-dayhttps://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/game-day] coverage, player features [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/playershttps://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/players], and more.
