Connor Bedard hits new level of low at IIHF World Championships
The Blackhawks' own Connor Bedard was the star of Team Canada over the first three-games during the IIHF World Championships.
Unfortunately, since then he'd been held scoreless in the team's last three games, struggling in Canada's 3-2 defeat of Switzerland.
That match-up included his linemate, Philipp Kurashev on Team Switzerland.
Bedard was given the least amount of ice time with Team Canada at 10:14 TOI, held to no shots on goal. His ice time has continually decreased from 16:00 against Team Austria, dwindling to 14:30 against Norway, and finally 13:19 against Finland.
Should fans be concerned? Well it may just be a sign that Bedard has been running on empty since the end of his first NHL season.
He did only play 68 games, while averaging 19:47 TOI in the NHL, not to mention the burden of the Blackhawks franchise being placed upon his shoulders after the 2023 NHL Draft.
He immediately went from the Blackhawks April 18th season end to playing with Team Canada, shortly after.
He's unlikely had any time to relax and unwind since then and shouldn't be a sticking point for fans at all. While this is international play and an exhibition, the mere point is showing up and while he's been struggling, there's a chance he could turn it around.
Bedard is still tied for 2nd in the IIHF tournament, with 5 goals and even then Kurashev didn't register one point against Team Canada when they faced off.
Kurashev did dish two assists during the World Championships, but that also doesn't mean they won't be terrible linemates once they reunite again next season either.
What both need after the IIHF Tournament is rest and right away.
Source: Blackhawk Up
Connor Bedard has gone from star of the Hockey World Championships to struggling
| POLL | ||
Should fans be concerned about Bedard's IIHF play? | ||
| Yes | 130 | 28.4 % |
| No | 328 | 71.6 % |
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