Chicago Blackhawks sensation Connor Bedard delivered a electrifying performance, netting his first career hat trick and adding an assist in a commanding 7-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators. The 20-year-old center not only powered the Hawks to a crucial home win but also carved his name deeper into the franchise’s storied record books, joining an elite group of legends before his 21st birthday.
The roar of the crowd, the cascade of hats onto the ice – it was a night of pure exhilaration at the United Center as Connor Bedard showcased why he is considered one of hockey’s brightest young stars. On October 28, 2025, the 20-year-old phenom scored his third goal of the game at the 3:46 mark of the third period, completing his first career hat trick and leading the Chicago Blackhawks to a decisive 7-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.
“Our whole team celebrates each other in moments like that and the fans’ reaction was awesome,” Bedard commented, reflecting on the electric atmosphere. “We have so much support. You want to get a (hat trick) anywhere, but to get one at home is nice and to have that support is unbelievable.”
Bedard’s four-point night (three goals, one assist) propelled his season totals to six goals and 12 points, demonstrating his increasing comfort and impact in the league. Notably, two of his goals came against Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark, the same netminder against whom Bedard scored his very first NHL goal back in 2023.
Bedard’s Historic Night: Joining Blackhawks Royalty
This wasn’t just a hat trick; it was a night steeped in Blackhawks history. With his four-point effort in his 160th career game, Bedard became only the seventh player in franchise history to score at least 50 goals before turning 21 years old. He joins an illustrious group of Blackhawks legends:
- Eddie Olczyk
- Jonathan Toews
- Jeremy Roenick
- Bobby Hull
- Denis Savard
- Patrick Kane
Furthermore, Bedard’s 140 career points prior to his 21st birthday now rank him fifth in franchise history, surpassing the impressive mark set by Jeremy Roenick. These achievements underscore the immense potential and rapid development of the 2023 top draft pick, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the Blackhawks’ future. For more on the Blackhawks’ rich history and player statistics, fans can visit the Blackhawks Official Site.
“Personally, coming to the year, (I’ve had a) little better mindset knowing the league and being a little more relaxed,” Bedard shared, crediting a shift in his approach. “It’s easy to say that after a hat trick and a win, but I think our group is super motivated, loves each other and it’s been a lot of fun so far.”
Team Resilience and the Lingering Second Period Challenge
Despite Bedard’s heroics, the game presented a familiar challenge for Chicago: the notorious “second-period swoon.” The Blackhawks initially built a commanding 4-0 lead, with goals from Colton Dach, Louis Crevier, and two from Bedard (one on the power play). However, in a troubling trend, Ottawa quickly erased most of the lead, scoring three goals in a span of just 3 minutes and 33 seconds. Goals by Jake Sanderson, Michael Amadio, and Tim Stutzle brought the Senators back to 4-3 before the second intermission.
Coach Jeff Blashill acknowledged the recurring issue. “It seems like we get hemmed in more on our end in the second than we do in the first and third. If I had the answer, we’d have it fixed,” Blashill stated. “It’s something we got to make sure that we try to figure out and get an answer.” While the problem remains, Bedard’s third goal ultimately sealed the game, with Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar adding insurance markers afterward.
Milestones Beyond Bedard and the Road Ahead
The night wasn’t solely about Bedard’s personal accolades. Captain Nick Foligno also reached a significant career milestone, recording his 600th point with an assist on Colton Dach’s opening goal. Foligno was effusive in his praise for Bedard: “Some guys are lucky enough to get their first hat trick (and) when you do it’s an awesome feeling. He’s a guy that loves to score goals, you can see it on his face how pumped he was. He’s a threat every time he’s on the ice, you can see his confidence growing more and more in the game and that’s exciting for us.”
Other notable performances included defenseman Louis Crevier’s two points (a goal and an assist). Tyler Bertuzzi returned to the lineup, though without a point, he made his presence felt by getting into a fight with Ottawa’s Nick Cousins, earning a 10-minute penalty. Coach Blashill lauded Bertuzzi as a “foxhole guy” who “embodies what we want to be as a group.” Forward Ilya Mikheyev missed the game due to a day-to-day injury but is expected to travel with the team on their upcoming road trip.
The Blackhawks (5-3-2) are enjoying their best 10-game start since the 2018-19 season (6-2-2) and are on a hot streak against the Senators, holding a 13-1-1 record in their last 15 matchups. They now face a challenging stretch of six straight road games, beginning with a Thursday night tilt in Winnipeg against Jonathan Toews’ Jets. This highly anticipated matchup will see Toews face his former team, a storyline sure to captivate Blackhawks fans. For details on player movements and team schedules, visit NHL.com.
Blashill expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle the extended travel: “I don’t mind long road trips, to be honest with you, I think the ones that are harder are when you’re constantly bouncing back and forth. Going on the road for a while, you get into the mode of it. There’ll be zero excuse for us, we have to find a way to have success.”
