Blackwell helps the Blackhawks beat the Flames 4-3 in first game without Bedard
In the absence of Bedard, Blackwell plays a pivotal role in securing the Blackhawks’ 4-3 triumph over the Flames.
The Chicago Blackhawks secured a 4-3 victory against the Calgary Flames, marking their first win since Connor Bedard suffered a broken jaw. Colin Blackwell played a pivotal role in the triumph with two goals and an assist. Nikita Zaitsev also contributed with a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks, who had been on a five-game losing streak and had struggled in seven of their last eight games. Philipp Kurashev added another goal, and goaltender Petr Mrazek made 28 saves.
The victory came after the unfortunate incident where Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick in the previous year’s draft, sustained a broken jaw due to a hit by New Jersey defenseman Brendan Smith in a game against the Devils. Additionally, the Blackhawks faced another setback when Nick Foligno broke a finger on his left hand during a fight with Smith in the second period of the same game.
Nazem Kadri contributed two goals for Calgary, concluding a 2-2-0 road trip following a 3-2 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday. Andrew Mangiapane also found the back of the net, and Jonathan Huberdeau chipped in with two assists.
Blackwell initiated the scoring with a well-executed wrist shot just 4:32 into the first period. He extended the lead to 4-2 with a power-play goal, beating goaltender Dan Vladar on the glove side with 5:23 left in the game.
Calgary narrowed the gap with Kadri’s 13th goal of the season, making it 4-3 with 4:41 remaining, but Chicago successfully defended their lead in the final minutes.
Both teams faced challenges in the second period due to unfortunate deflections. Calgary seized a 2-1 lead at 3:26 when Mangiapane’s power-play shot ricocheted off the right skate of Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy, resulting in Mangiapane being credited with his eighth goal of the season.
The Chicago Blackhawks secured a 4-3 victory against the Calgary Flames, marking their first win since Connor Bedard suffered a broken jaw. Colin Blackwell played a pivotal role with two goals and an assist, leading the Blackhawks to overcome a recent losing streak.
Nikita Zaitsev contributed a goal and an assist, while Philipp Kurashev and Petr Mrazek played key roles in the victory. Chicago had faced challenges with Bedard’s injury; he suffered a broken jaw during a recent game against the New Jersey Devils. Additionally, the team lost Nick Foligno due to a broken finger during a fight with Brendan Smith of the Devils.
Despite these setbacks, Chicago managed to secure the win against Calgary. Blackwell’s well-placed wrist shot and a power-play goal showcased the team’s resilience. Calgary, on the other hand, had notable performances from Nazem Kadri, who scored two goals, and Andrew Mangiapane, who also found the back of the net.
The game featured unfortunate deflections for both teams in the second period, adding to the unpredictability of the matchup. The Blackhawks, facing numerous injuries, including eight forwards on the injured reserve, opted for a lineup with seven defensemen against the Flames.
As Chicago savors this hard-fought victory, the team remains focused on the recovery of key players like Bedard and Foligno. Bedard, an 18-year-old standout, had been leading the team with an impressive 15 goals and 18 assists before his injury.
Coach Luke Richardson emphasized the ongoing evaluation of Bedard’s condition, stating, “We know there’s a jaw fracture, but it’s swollen, so I think the doctors are just giving it a few days to see how it settles.” The Blackhawks continue to navigate challenges, with the hope that the return of key players and strategic adjustments will contribute to future successes on the ice.
