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Connor Bedard's OT Heroics Lift Blackhawks Over Jets 2-1

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated Dec 28, 2023 7:44 PM ET

Before the holiday break, the Chicago Blackhawks experienced a pair of frustrating losses. After a few days off, the Hawks were back in action at the United Center on Wednesday night. A rare 8:00 pm CT start resulted in a packed house at the Madhouse on Madison for the holiday week tilt.

Paying visit to the United Center were the Winnipeg Jets, who rank among the top teams in the Central Division at this point in the season. There was no doubt entering the game that they were the favorites over the Blackhawks. In addition, the Jets were 8-1-1 in their last 10 entering the contest.

Fortunately for the Hawks, Alex Vlasic and Tyler Johnson returned to the lineup for Wednesday's game. Johnson missed only one game on Saturday while Vlasic had been missing from the lineup since mid-December.

Despite the Jets dominating offensively for most of the first period, the Blackhawks managed to strike first. After being fed a pass from Connor Murphy, Connor Bedard dialed up three consecutive shots on goal, burying the third to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead.

After taking the 1-0 lead into the second period, the Jets struck back. The fourth line for the visitors managed to sneak one by Petr Mrazek, who was sensational in the win. Morgan Barron buried a puck through Mrazek's five hole to even the score.

Although the game was tied, the Blackhawks got stronger as the game wore on. The Hawks strung together 12 shots on goal in the third, their highest total in the three periods. In fact, it doubled their total shots on net through 60 minutes.

After 60 minutes, extra time was required. The Blackhawks and Jets traded a few rushes back and forth, but neither goalie budged. Finally, Connor Bedard took the puck through the neutral zone and into the offensive end. In a seemingly one-on-three situation, Bedard found magic.

Bedard's shot beat Connor Hellebuyck glove side to secure the win. The goal was Bedard's 15th of the season and sent the United Center faithful home happy.

Bedard has truly become a superstar in the city of Chicago. Although the team is struggling, picking up just their 11th win of the season on Wednesday, Bedard is nearly a point-per-game player and captivating the NHL world. Without a doubt, this game will be one of the many fans recall when looking back at Bedard's career.

What's On Tap Next?

The Blackhawks will travel to Dallas to take on the Stars for two games over the weekend. The teams will do battle in consecutive games on the 29th and 31st before the Hawks continue their road trip for three games in the new year. Both games are 7:00 pm CT starts from American Airlines Center.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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