The Chicago Blackhawks were badly outlasted by the Florida Panthers on Sunday night.
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The Blackhawks entered the third period tied 1-1, but the Panthers went on a four-goal run to end the contest with a 5-1 defeat in front of 19,313 fans at the United Center.
Before Friday’s 3-1 loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago was sitting at .500 with a 21-21 record. After a two-game home stand this weekend, the Blackhawks are 21-23, and five points behind the San Jose Sharks for the last spot in the Wild Card.
Third-year forward Connor Bedard has scored just three total points and one goal in eight games since returning from his right shoulder injury. The Blackhawks recently moved him to wing, and head coach Jeff Blashill has been tinkering with the lineup to try and give the offense a boost.
Per Gail Kauchak of The Hockey Writers, Blashill told reporters after Sunday night’s loss that he thought he might have “hurt” Bedard by switching the lines.
“You’re out for a long time, it’s hard to get your mojo back…we’ve kind of played with the lines,” Blashill said. “Maybe that’s hurt him. Sometimes you’re trying to spark guys & you end up hurting him by making too many changes.”
Blashill on sparking Bedard: #Blackhawks
"You're out for a long time, it's hard to get your mojo back…we've kind of played with the lines. Maybe that's hurt him. Sometimes you're trying to spark guys & you end up hurting him by making too many changes."
— Gail Kauchak (@littlegailk) January 26, 2026
The Chicago Blackhawks need Connor Bedard to find his mojo
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The Blackhawks were unable to convert on there of their power play opportunities against the Panthers. Blashill suggested that while he doesn’t want to continue changing up the top two lines, Chicago might need to switch personnel for the power play.
“We have to break the puck in better, and we have to win more loose-puck recoveries,” Blashill said, via Ben Pope of the Chicago Tribune.
The Blackhawks will next play the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night. The 29-14-10 Wild will be a challenge for Chicago before they travel to play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night.
It’ll be interesting to see what lines Blashill sticks with. Right now, he has Bedard in a funk coming off of his injury. For the Blackhawks to stay competitive, Bedard needs his mojo back.
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