Connor Bedard scored his first career NHL hat trick, leading the Chicago Blackhawks to a decisive 7-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night. The 20-year-old phenom netted three goals and added an assist in a standout performance at the United Center, marking a significant milestone in his young career and energizing the home crowd.
The hat trick was sealed at the 3:46 mark of the third period when Bedard fired his third goal past Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark, triggering a cascade of hats onto the ice and a roaring ovation from fans. Bedard expressed his gratitude for the support, noting that achieving the feat at home made it particularly special. “Our whole team celebrates each other in moments like that and the fans’ reaction was awesome,” he said. “To get one at home is nice and to have that support is unbelievable.”
With this performance, Bedard recorded four points on the night, bringing his season totals to six goals and 12 points through 10 games. The achievement also placed him among Blackhawks legends, as he became the seventh player in franchise history to score 50 goals at age 20 or younger, joining elite company like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Additionally, he moved into fifth place on the team’s all-time points list for players before their 21st birthday, surpassing Jeremy Roenick with 140 career points.
The Blackhawks built an early 4-0 lead but faced a scare in the second period when the Senators scored three quick goals in just over three minutes to narrow the gap to 4-3. However, Bedard’s third goal early in the final frame restored control, and additional tallies from Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar—who also notched a goal and an assist—sealed the win. The victory improved Chicago’s record to 5-3-2, their best 10-game start since the 2018-19 season.
Bedard reflected on his improved mindset entering the season, attributing his success to greater comfort and confidence in the NHL. “Personally, coming to the year, I’ve had a little better mindset knowing the league and being a little more relaxed,” he said. Captain Nick Foligno, who recorded his 600th career point with an assist on Colton Dach’s opening goal, praised Bedard’s growing impact, saying, “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.”
The game featured other notable contributions, including defenseman Louis Crevier’s goal and assist, and Tyler Bertuzzi’s return to the lineup, which included a fight resulting in a 10-minute penalty. Coach Jeff Blashill acknowledged the team’s recurring struggles in the second period but emphasized the importance of the win, especially with a six-game road trip ahead. “It seems like we get hemmed in more on our end in the second than we do in the first and third,” Blashill said. “If I had the answer, we’d have it fixed.”
Looking ahead, the Blackhawks begin their road trip with a matchup against Jonathan Toews’ Winnipeg Jets, aiming to build on their strong start and contend for a playoff spot. Blashill expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle the extended travel, noting that such trips can foster cohesion. With Bedard’s emergence as a central figure, the Blackhawks are poised to capitalize on this momentum as they navigate the challenges of the season.