The hype coming into Saturday’s matinee between the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers was surrounded by the fact that Matvei Michkov was facing Connor Bedard for the first time.
Two of the prized picks in the 2023 NHL Draft have had a lot of praise for a long time. If it weren’t for Michkov’s KHL situation, he probably would have been the second-overall pick right behind Bedard. Instead, the Flyers got him at seven.
The early stages of this game were strongly in favor of the Blackhawks. They had a 2-0 lead in the game thanks to goals scored by Lukas Reichel and Patrick Maroon. For Maroon, that was his first goal in a Blackhawks sweater.
That fourth line with Reichel and Maroon along with Craig Smith scored both goals for Chicago and they both came at even strength. This might be a trio to see stay together for a while.
Chicago let the lead slip away though as the Flyers had it tied up before the third period was even halfway over.
In overtime, Michkov scored what had to feel like a huge goal in his career. It was an overtime winner against the team that selected first overall in his draft. His seventh of the year leads all NHL rookies.
Connor Bedard wasn’t impressive in the game. This is another game for him where he didn’t contribute offensively and it’s weighing on him based on previously made comments. Head coach Luke Richardson is doing everything he can to get him going as far as linemates but nothing is sticking right now.
Bedard won the Calder Trophy last year so we know he’s capable of making an impact at the NHL level but he’s gone cold. Right now, Michkov is outplaying him and got the better of him in this one.
Letting leads slip away and not getting enough offense in games has become a theme for this Blackhawks team. It isn’t just on Bedard or any one player either. It is a collective shortcoming that must be corrected if they want to avoid the basement of the NHL again.
The Blackhawks beat the Stanley Cup-champion Panthers on Thursday but they were unable to build on it. Now, they have a few days to collect themselves and rest up. Their next game will come on Wednesday when they take on the Dallas Stars on Thanksgiving Eve (USA).
Once again, they have to bring their best if they want to beat an elite team at the United Center.
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