“Sophomore slump” – Connor Bedard FRUSTRATED as ‘tough stretch’ continues amid 11-game goal drought, fans react
Blackhawks' center Connor Bedard’s 2024-25 slump continues as the team dramatically loses 3-1 against the Florida Panthers.
Connor Bedard [Image Credit: Imago]
Chicago Blackhawks young star Connor Bedard struggles through slump days in the 2024-25 season. Speaking on his current performance record, Bedard said he can name hundreds of things he knows he can do better but has failed to do so.
Unfortunately, the 19-year-old has been suffering a goal drought in 11 straight games. To dampen the team’s spirit further, the Blackhawks failed to secure victory against the Florida Panthers in their 1-3 loss.
Head coach Luke Richardson, however, praised Bedard for being defensively effective against the opponents despite his slump. He said it’s not only Bedard but the whole locker room situation. Everyone’s going through a tough period but considering Bedard’s young age, he’s having it worst.
"I still have confidence that Connor Bedard is going to be the star everyone expects him to be." @DavidHaugh discusses Bedard's recent struggles and the keys to turn things around on The Chicago Lead. pic.twitter.com/UJjds27wjO
— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) November 23, 2024
Bedard further added that “it’s been a tough stretch” where he feels like whatever he tries on ice doesn’t work out the way he imagines. There’s definitely been a loss of confidence but the youngster isn’t sure what to do to get out of it.
Social media sympathizes with Connor Bedard as he struggles through slump
Last season, Connor Bedard led the rookies with 22 goals in 68 games. However, this year, he remains paused on 3 goals in 20 games. His last score came in October during the Chicago Blackhawks game against the Dallas Stars.
Fans on social media are calling out for the senior team members to help out Bedard during his slump days. One X user commented, “Where is Foligno to help snap him out of this?”, another noted, “Sophomore slump.” Check more fan reactions below:
Can someone please remind him that he’s Connor Bedard! Where is Foligno to help snap him out of this?
— chi-town (@chicago1802) November 22, 2024
This is where the veterans come into play to help him out and mentor
— The Moose? (@MooseMilk1985) November 22, 2024
This is what happens when he has 4th liners as linemates.
— Chris ?? (@ChrisKFilms) November 22, 2024
Connor Bedard? More like Connor BustHard haha amirite fellas
— Jimmy Pigskin (@JimmyGraps) November 22, 2024
This is no sophomore slump. His game does not translate to the NHL. Same thing happened with Alexis Lafreniere… Hopefully Bedard can mold his game like Laf has done. Andrew Cogliano is a perfect example of a scorer out of junior that had to transform his game to stay in the NHL
— Keith Pelley (@PK_Brewbban) November 22, 2024
It's a risk to put a lot on you g kid shoulders especially without putting much of a team around him.
— Vikingstad (@HockeyRockBeer) November 22, 2024
Most likely things will be ok but you run risk of a Daigle, Brule type mistake. Once you send some guys down wrong development path they never recover
Sophomore slump, he will be fine
— Cristian/Counsell Enthusiast (@CubsAllThings) November 22, 2024
He’s talented but is working under C, he’s a natural wing
— Alessandro Chan (@cmb0130) November 22, 2024
Foligno needs a talk with our boy. All will be well, son
— Derek Kudjer (@koojababy) November 22, 2024
He needs a damn shooter to play with. He's a creative player that needs to play with someone that thinks the game out in a similar way.
— AllanC (@ChicagoEggspay) November 22, 2024
Coach Richardson said that although the team did not recruit him for defensive plays, they are in need of his help now. He assured that the positions on the roster will be filled and support will be given soon.
There’s no timeline when one can get out of their slump period and it can be quite draining mentally. Bedard seems to be going through it quite rough and hopefully, he’ll get back in his top form soon as the team will need him.
Kaushani Chatterjee
(2151 Articles Published)