The Chicago Blackhawks faltered late again and lost 3-2 to the Winnipeg Jets in overtime on Tuesday night at Canada Life Centre.
Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard recorded two assists, while Ryan Greene and Teuvo Teravainen scored in the defeat.
Chicago has now conceded nine goals in the final four minutes of third periods this season, the latest one arriving with 39 seconds left in regulation Tuesday. Mark Scheifele then sealed the win for the Jets in overtime.
After the game, head coach Jeff Blashill addressed both the loss and the leadership change within the team after Monday’s trade of defenseman Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers.
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With Murphy leaving the organization and vacating the alternate captain role, Bedard has inherited it and will wear an “A” for the rest of the season, Blashill confirmed.
“He’s earned it with his commitment to winning hockey,” Blashill said. “That’s the biggest thing I talked to him about today. He’s very competitive; he works hard every day.”
Bedard, 20, is in his third NHL season after being selected first overall in the 2023 draft. He has logged 185 points with 70 goals and 115 assists in 198 career games.
“Obviously, the letter doesn’t change anything you do as a person, but it’s nice to be recognized like that,” Bedard said.
This season, Bedard has 57 points (25 goals, 32 assists) in 48 games and leads the team in scoring despite missing time with a shoulder injury.
Following the loss in Winnipeg, Bedard discussed the Blackhawks' late-game struggles.
“We didn’t give them too much the first, probably, 50 minutes,” Bedard said. “I think then they’re pressing (late), but we sit back a little bit. I think when you’re defending a lead and you sit back, it’s not a good recipe. We want to try to get in their end and cycle it and whatnot. And I thought we sat back a little bit.”
Bedard could become a restricted free agent after this season, when his three-year, entry-level contract is set to expire. Both sides have indicated a willingness to work toward an extension.
The Blackhawks (23-28-10) return home for a matchup against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET.