NHL analyst offers advice to Chicago Blackhawks Connor Bedard amidst worst-career slump
Photo credit: AZ Coyotes Insider LLC- Substack
NHL Analyst Mike Johnson began his career in 1996 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He'd finish it, with the St. Louis Blues in 2007-2008 and would play 661 games in the NHL jumping from city to city, as a journeyman.
"I could name 100 things [I could do better]," Bedard said Friday. "I don't know, man. It has been frustrating, for sure. I just don't feel like I'm really doing anything. So just keep chipping away at it, I guess, and hopefully find my game again."
Johnson would know a thing or two, about going through slumps in his career as he's had to adjust to the expectations of multiple coaches, and of course, himself.
TheNHL Networkanalyst suggested that Bedard that he's great, and has skills that make him unique. Which made him the first overall pick in 2023.
"It's been a tough stretch," he said. "You just feel like you don't have it or whatever, and you lose a bit of confidence. And it just kind of goes on."
Bedard has posted only 2 points( 2 A), and 3 shots on goal in the last 5 games during his sophomore slump, now going on eleven games.
The absence of Bedard's confidence is noticeable and troubling, and maybe the Blackhawks should utilize other methods of encouragement for the sophomore to regain his confidence.
Being moved off of the center role likely didn't help his play, and the fact that he's been contributing so little recently is an indicator that something is eating away at him.
Johnson is correct about Bedard's status in the NHL, and his abilities, but he needs to believe it himself before he can put it into action.
This is a great example of a storied veteran who is offering Bedard an insight into the kind of psychology someone needs to survive long-term, as Johnson has played for five teams in twelve years in the NHL.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 24 | 56 ANSWERS NHL analyst offers advice to Chicago Blackhawks Connor Bedard amidst worst-career slump Do you think Mike Johnson has the right perspective for Connor Bedard to improve his game? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 75 % |
| No | 14 | 25 % |
| List of polls | ||
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