Bedard, Blackhawks look to get offense going against Golden Knights

CHICAGO -- Connor Bedard has been limited to two shots on goal in his past three games, but the Chicago Blackhawks forward said he doesn't think it's related to anything opposing defenses are doing.

"I mean, I think I could shoot more for sure, but I'm not just a shooter. For me, if it's not there, I'm going to try to make a pass," Bedard said. "Players are really good at getting in lanes, but if it's there, I'll shoot the puck. But if not, I'll try to find another play."

Bedard has four points (two goals, two assists) in seven games, second on the Blackhawks behind Corey Perry, who has five points (two goals, three assists). He had 20 shots on goal through his first four games but was held without a shot against the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 19 and the Boston Bruins on Oct. 24.

His two shots came against the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, one of them going in, during a 5-3 loss at home Oct. 21.

He will see those same Golden Knights on Friday when the Blackhawks play at T-Mobile Arena on Nevada Day (6 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, NHLN, NBCSCH, TVAS2).

Opponents understandably have zeroed in on Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. He entered his rookie NHL season as the most highly touted prospect since Connor McDavid was selected No. 1 by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2015 NHL Draft. He has the playmaking ability to complement his goal-scoring.

Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said Bedard's lack of shots lately was because the Blackhawks (2-5-0) are playing too much defense as a team. Chicago has lost three in a row and has been shut out in two of those three games, which came against the Avalanche, Golden Knights and Bruins, who are a combined 19-1-1 this season entering Friday.

"So that just leaks into guys who are more used to having more offensive opportunities," Richardson said after a 3-0 loss to the Bruins on Tuesday.

"I think Connor's the same as anybody. We have to find a way to get shots off a little quicker. Even if it's through a defenseman's legs and you try to jump around him to get a rebound, a lot might not go in because it's not the hardest shot, but sometimes you fool a goalie if you fire it through the legs and you have a guy driving the net. You get the good bounce and it's a shot off the pad, rebound goal. Sometimes that just snaps you out of things as well."

The Blackhawks will continue to tinker with lines to try and get more offense, be it for Bedard or anyone else. Chicago is averaging 2.00 goals per game, tied for 30th in the League. Bedard has had several different linemates through these first seven games: Taylor Hall, who's currently on injured reserve (shoulder), Ryan Donato, Taylor Raddysh, Tyler Johnson and Nick Foligno. He'll get another one Friday: Philipp Kurashev, who played some shifts with Bedard and Foligno near the end of the game Tuesday, will be on Bedard's right wing against the Golden Knights.

"I thought we had a couple looks at the end of the game there, last three, four shifts, whatever it was," Bedard said. "Obviously I've played with a few players and they're all great players so I'm excited to play with him and see what we can do."

It appeared as though Bedard scored against the Bruins, but the goal was waved off because the Blackhawks were offside. That shutout loss to Boston added to a tough start to the season for the rebuilding Blackhawks, who had to face the Avalanche, who won the Cup in 2022, the Golden Knights, who won it last season, and the Bruins, who set NHL records for wins (65) and points (135) last season.

It's not going to get any easier during the next 10 days, when they play the Golden Knights again, the Arizona Coyotes (Monday) and then a back-to-back against the Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils (Nov. 4 and 5).

"Obviously they're great teams, but it's the NHL, every team is really good," Bedard said. "We've got to learn how to get to that level and beat these top teams.

"It's really good for us to have that in these games we're playing here. Cup champs two of three, and Boston and Colorado, that's great. That's good for us to go against them, but we've got obviously start winning here. Tomorrow will be a good test for us."