Connor Bedard's Injury Puts Blackhawks' Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy
Image Source: Internet
The Chicago Blackhawks are facing a significant challenge after Connor Bedard was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. The 20-year-old center, who has been one of the top players in the NHL this season, is expected to miss at least two weeks. Bedard's injury is a major blow to his chances of making Team Canada for the Winter Olympics, with the Canadian roster expected to be announced soon. The Blackhawks, who are struggling on the ice with a 3-8-2 record in their last 13 games, will need to rely on a collective effort to replace Bedard's production. Center Jason Dickinson emphasized that everyone will need to step up and do their part, while coach Jeff Blashill acknowledged that it will be a tough task. "We'll get through the new year and then kind of reevaluate and see where he's at," Blashill said. Bedard's injury occurred on a draw with 0.8 seconds left in Friday's 3-2 loss at St. Louis, and he was immediately accompanied by a trainer to the locker room. The team is also dealing with the absence of captain Nick Foligno, who is nearing a return from a left hand injury. Meanwhile, defenseman Ethan Del Mastro and goaltender Laurent Brossoit have been recalled from the American Hockey League's Rockford, with Brossoit expected to be placed on waivers. The Blackhawks will need to find ways to score "dirtier" goals, as coach Blashill put it, and rely on players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Ryan Donato, and Nick Lardis to make the most of their offensive opportunities. With Bedard out, the team's playoff hopes are now in jeopardy, and they will need to respond with a strong team effort to stay afloat in the standings.
