Connor Bedard Set to Make Comeback Against Penguins
In an exciting turn of events, Blackhawks star forward Connor Bedard has been given the green light by doctors to return to the ice after a successful jaw surgery. The team is now planning for him to play against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. This news comes as a huge relief to both Bedard and his fans, who have eagerly been awaiting his return.
Bedard, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, suffered a fractured jaw on January 5th during a game against the New Jersey Devils. The injury occurred when Devils forward Brendan Smith collided with Bedard as he crossed the blue line on a power-play rush. Following the incident, Bedard was immediately placed on injured reserve.
The surgery took place in Chicago, and team physician Dr. Michael Terry announced that Bedard was expected to be out for approximately six to eight weeks. However, it seems that Bedard has made an impressive recovery and is ready to rejoin his team sooner than anticipated.
The Blackhawks teased Bedard’s imminent return with a video posted on social media, further fueling excitement among fans. With Bedard back in action, the team is hoping for a much-needed boost.
Are the Blackhawks rushing Bedard back? From an outsider’s perspective, it may seem that way. Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson previously stated that they wanted to take things slow and ensure Bedard was fully recovered before allowing him to participate in contact practices. Richardson even mentioned that Bedard likely wouldn’t be cleared for contact until next week, making it unlikely for him to play in their next few games.
However, internally, the Blackhawks had a different perspective. They debated whether it was truly necessary for Bedard to practice before returning to a real game. Ultimately, they concluded that practice contact would not adequately prepare him for the type of hits he may face during a game. Additionally, the team is understandably cautious about Bedard’s safety and does not want to risk further injury. They are confident in his playing shape, as he has been consistently training on and off the ice since his surgery.
What does getting Bedard back mean for the Blackhawks? It means goals – precious, precious goals. Since Bedard’s injury, the team has struggled offensively, scoring only 20 goals in 14 games. They have been shut out four times and have managed to score just one goal in five other games. Bedard is the team’s most reliable scoring threat, leading the Blackhawks in points with 33 and coming in just one goal behind Jason Dickinson’s team lead of 16 goals, despite missing over a month of play.
While Bedard alone cannot fix all of the Blackhawks’ offensive woes, his return certainly gives the team a fighting chance. In addition to improving their performance on the ice, Bedard’s presence is expected to boost ticket sales. Despite his absence, the United Center has remained mostly full, but attendance did drop during a recent game against Vancouver. However, with Bedard back in action, fans are sure to flock to the arena once again.
Overall, the return of Connor Bedard is highly anticipated and eagerly awaited by Blackhawks fans and players alike. It will be exciting to see him back on the ice, contributing his skills and making a significant impact on the team’s performance. With his return, the Blackhawks hope to turn their luck around and climb the standings once again.