‘He’s frustrated’: Chicago Blackhawks coach opens up on Connor Bedard’s slump
The Chicago Blackhawks ended their demoralizing seven-game losing streak in March when they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 7-4 in front of 20,125 patient fans at the United Center on Sunday.
Second-year centre Connor Bedard went through a cold streak during March but was able to score two goals via power plays during the team’s losing stretch. However, veterans like John Dickinson were in no mood to celebrate Bedard’s power-play goals while the losses mounted.
On Sunday, Bedard scored his first goal during five-on-five play in 19 games.
Chicago Blackhawks interim head coach on Connor Bedard
Per Scott Powers of The Athletic, interim head coach Anders Sörensen opened up on why Bedard has been struggling. He thinks Bedard needs to trust his instincts more.
“He has had some opportunities, he had some looks, it hasn’t been going his way,” Sörensen said. “So he’s frustrated a little bit, pressing, especially when a player of his caliber expects to score and is under the spotlight constantly. But just trying to get him to trust his instincts and make the plays he sees, but don’t force things at the same time. That’s the biggest thing: he has to trust his instincts.
“There’s a reason he is where he is and the reason he’s such a good player. So you don’t want to give him too much. So trust yourself.”
The Blackhawks are counting on Bedard too
Despite going through a rough patch, Bedard is the Blackhawks’ leader in points (56) this season. At 19, Bedard has the second-most assists on the team with 36 and the second-most goals with 20. Good or bad, the Blackhawks offense runs through Bedard.
Right now, Bedard has the worst +/- on the team at -38.
He and the Blackhawks have 11 more games to try and figure some things out on the ice before the offseason.
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