Top draft pick Connor Bedard’s 2 goals, 2 assists help Blackhawks snap an 8-game losing streak

TAMPA, Fla. — The Chicago Blackhawks claimed a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night, snapping an eight-game losing streak, with top draft pick Connor Bedard delivering an outstanding performance. The 18-year-old player scored two goals and provided two assists in what marked his first multi-point game in the NHL, powering the Blackhawks to their first win over the Lightning since March 5, 2021.

Chicago’s rookie defenseman Kevin Korchinski, along with former Lightning forwards Tyler Johnson and Corey Perry, also contributed to the team’s victory by adding goals. Nick Foligno provided three assists while Petr Mrazek made 31 saves for the Blackhawks. On the other side, Anthony Cirelli, Nikita Kucherov, and Steven Stamkos managed to score for the Lightning, who suffered their first regulation loss in seven home games this season (4-1-2). Goalkeeper Jonas Johansson made 24 saves for Tampa Bay.

The first period saw the Lightning dominating play, yet the Blackhawks managed to secure a 4-2 lead by the break. Cirelli’s power play goal at 3:20 put Tampa Bay ahead, but Bedard equalized at 4:42, with Kucherov then giving the Lightning the lead at 12:31. However, the Blackhawks then scored three goals in just over three minutes to take the lead with goals from Korchinski, Johnson, and Bedard.

In the second period, Perry added a goal for the Blackhawks on a power play, extending their lead to 5-2. Despite Stamkos scoring with 2:10 remaining in regulation, it wasn’t enough to secure a Lightning comeback.

UP NEXT

Blackhawks: Visit Florida Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

Lightning: Host Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night.