On November 9, 2023, the Chicago Blackhawks secured a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
The game was highlighted by an exceptional performance from rookie sensation Connor Bedard, who recorded his first multi-point NHL game with two goals and two assists.
The Lightning initiated the scoring early in the first period with a power-play goal by Anthony Cirelli at 3:20. However, the Blackhawks responded swiftly. Just over a minute later, at 4:42, Bedard capitalized on a pass from Philipp Kurashev, netting a goal that tied the game at 1-1. This goal not only showcased Bedard’s offensive prowess but also marked the beginning of a remarkable night for the young forward.
The Lightning regained the lead at 12:31 when Nikita Kucherov scored, bringing the score to 2-1. Undeterred, the Blackhawks mounted a formidable comeback. At 16:43, rookie defenseman Kevin Korchinski scored his first NHL goal, tying the game once more. Shortly thereafter, at 17:38, Bedard’s defensive efforts led to a turnover, allowing him to assist Tyler Johnson in scoring, which put Chicago ahead 3-2. Bedard continued to exert pressure, and just before the period concluded, he scored his second goal of the night at 19:52, extending the Blackhawks’ lead to 4-2.
Early in the second period, at 2:12, former Lightning forward Corey Perry tipped in a shot from Bedard during a power play, further increasing Chicago’s lead to 5-2. The Lightning managed to add a late goal by Steven Stamkos at 17:50 in the third period, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit, resulting in a final score of 5-3 in favor of the Blackhawks.
Bedard’s performance was historic. At 18 years and 115 days old, he became the third-youngest player in NHL history to record a four-point game, following Ted Kennedy and Bep Guidolin, both of whom achieved this feat in 1944. This game also marked Chicago’s first victory over Tampa Bay since March 5, 2021, ending an eight-game losing streak against the Lightning.
Reflecting on his performance, Bedard emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating, “I think it’s just kind of sticking with it. I felt like there were games when I could have created more than this and I had zero points. That’s how things go sometimes. It feels good to get on the scoresheet.”
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson praised Bedard’s development, noting, “He’s new to the league; he’s been here for a dozen games. He’s starting to really figure it out, use his skills to the best of his ability. It paid off for him, and for us, tonight.”
The game also featured notable contributions from other Blackhawks players. Nick Foligno provided three assists, and goaltender Petr Mrazek made 30 saves, playing a crucial role in securing the win. For the Lightning, despite goals from Cirelli, Kucherov, and Stamkos, turnovers and defensive lapses proved costly. Lightning coach Jon Cooper acknowledged these issues, stating, “We gave the momentum back with our self-inflicted errors, plain and simple. Turnovers, lack of execution, and we just gave them freebies. It’s tough to win if you’re going to continue to do that.”
This game not only highlighted Bedard’s emerging talent but also underscored the potential of the Blackhawks’ roster as they look to build momentum in the season.
