Bedard’s 2 goals, 2 assists boost Blackhawks to win against Lightning

Chicago surged ahead 3-2 at 17:38 with Johnson’s goal on a 2-on-1 play, capitalizing on a backhand pass from Bedard after a Tampa Bay turnover in the neutral zone.

“In the first 10 minutes, they had possession of the puck,” commented Bedard. “But we remained patient and capitalized on their mistakes. The team performed exceptionally, and I reaped the rewards.”

Bedard further extended the lead to 4-2 at 19:52 with another odd-man rush after a Tampa Bay turnover. Johansson initially saved Bedard’s close-range shot, but Cirelli unintentionally caused the puck to slip into the net in the ensuing scramble.

“He’s undeniably a talented player, but we simply handed it to him,” remarked Tampa Bay defenseman Mikhail Sergachev about Bedard. “The blame is entirely on us.”

Perry added to the scoreline, making it 5-2 with a power-play goal at 2:12 of the second period with a tip from the front. This marked his first game against the Lightning since being traded to the Blackhawks on June 29.

Stamkos struck at 17:50 of the third period with Johansson pulled for an extra attacker, resulting in the final score of 5-3.

“We clearly had the momentum in the first 10-12 minutes of the game,” lamented Lightning coach Jon Cooper, “but our own errors cost us the momentum. Turnovers, lack of execution, and gifting them free opportunities. It’s difficult to win if these mistakes persist.”

NOTES: The two youngest players to record a four-point game are Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ted Kennedy (18 years, 27 days; Jan. 8, 1944) and Boston Bruins forward Bep Guidolin (18 years, 58 days; Feb. 5, 1944). … Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall was assisted off the ice and left the game at 14:27 of the third period after a hit along the boards from Lightning forward Michael Eyssimont. Richardson had no update. … Chicago forward Nick Foligno tallied three assists. … Mrazek holds a 4-12-3 record against Tampa Bay. … Kucherov is on a four-game goal streak and has accumulated 12 points (five goals, seven assists) during that span. … Stamkos has seven points (two goals, five assists) in a five-game point streak.