Connor Bedard Scores Goal 28, Blackhawks Snap Wild Skid

Connor Bedard Sparks Historic Blackhawks Win — And Now Faces the Avalanche

Connor Bedard is turning heads again. On March 19, 2026, the Chicago Blackhawks phenom scored his 28th goal of the season and helped end one of the NHL's most embarrassing streaks — a 19-game series skid against the Minnesota Wild. The 2-1 victory wasn't just a milestone for the franchise; it was another reminder that Bedard is developing into one of the most exciting players in the league, even as the Blackhawks remain a rebuilding squad on the outside looking in at the playoffs.

Now, less than 24 hours later, Chicago hosts the Colorado Avalanche — a team that can clinch a playoff or division position with a win. The spotlight is fully on Bedard once more, and this time the stakes are somebody else's.

Breaking Down Bedard's Historic Goal Against Minnesota

It wasn't just that Bedard scored — it was how he scored. After intercepting a pass at the Wild blue line, Bedard burst in alone on goal and buried a highlight-reel backhander past the Minnesota netminder. The move showcased the instincts and puck-handling ability that made him the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

The goal was Bedard's 28th of the season and came during a stretch in which he's been arguably at his best. He has recorded 11 points in his last 10 games, a pace that signals his continued maturation as a top-line NHL center. As AP News reported, the Blackhawks held on despite late pressure from the Wild to seal the 2-1 final.

The performance adds another chapter to what is becoming an impressive sophomore-season narrative for Bedard, who entered the league with the weight of a franchise rebuild on his shoulders.

Snapping a 19-Game Series Skid: What It Means for Chicago

The numbers were staggering. Before March 19, the Blackhawks had gone 0-18-1 in their previous 19 games against the Minnesota Wild. Their last win in the series had come on December 15, 2019 — before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the league, before the rebuild began, and before Connor Bedard had ever played an NHL game.

Snapping that streak required more than just Bedard's heroics. Spencer Knight made 28 saves in net for Chicago, providing the steady goaltending the Blackhawks needed to hold a slim lead. And in the final seconds, defenseman Alex Vlasic delivered a game-saving stick sweep in the crease to deny the Wild a tying goal and preserve the victory — a moment that could define his season, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The win also highlighted a quietly impressive Blackhawks trend: the team is undefeated when entering the third period with a lead. While that stat doesn't make them a playoff contender, it shows a competitive resilience that bodes well for the rebuild's trajectory.

For more on the postgame reaction, WGN Radio has full coverage of Bedard's comments and the locker room atmosphere following the victory.

Playoff Picture: Where Do the Blackhawks Actually Stand?

Let's be clear: despite the feel-good win, the Chicago Blackhawks are not a playoff team this season. They sit 8 points back from a wild-card spot, and with the season winding down, the math is nearly insurmountable.

This is a team still very much in rebuild mode. The Bedard era is about building, not competing for a Cup — at least not yet. What matters most right now is that the young core is showing signs of growth, and Bedard in particular is proving he can be a consistent offensive force over extended stretches of the season.

For Blackhawks fans, the wins at this stage of the season serve a dual purpose: they're morale boosters, and they're a preview of what the franchise hopes to build around its franchise center in the years ahead.

March 20: The Avalanche Arrive — and They Have Something to Prove

The night after their emotional win over Minnesota, the Blackhawks don't get a break. The Colorado Avalanche visit Chicago on March 20, 2026, and they're coming in with significant motivation of their own: a win clinches a playoff or division position for Colorado.

As Yahoo Sports previews, the Avalanche see this as a must-have moment — a chance to punch their ticket and do it on the road against one of the NHL's most marketable young stars. The question is whether Bedard and a Blackhawks team riding emotional momentum can pull off back-to-back upsets.

The narrative writes itself: Bedard, the face of Chicago's future, standing between Colorado and a playoff berth. Even if the Blackhawks are long shots, the matchup is must-watch hockey. MSN Sports frames Colorado's trip to the United Center as a genuine test — one the Avs can't afford to take lightly.

Connor Bedard's Season in Context: Building Toward Something Real

With 28 goals on the season and a 11-point run over his last 10 games, Bedard is making the case that his first NHL season wasn't a fluke — it was a foundation. The underlying skillset is undeniable: elite skating, elite hands, elite hockey sense. That backhander against Minnesota was the kind of goal most NHL forwards can't attempt, let alone convert in a tight game situation.

What's especially encouraging is the consistency. Bedard isn't just putting up points in blowouts or against weak competition. He's producing in close, meaningful moments, and he's doing it with a maturity that belies his age. When the Blackhawks need a big play, they're looking to Bedard — and more often than not, he's delivering.

The rebuild has a long way to go, but with Bedard at the center of it, Chicago fans have genuine reasons for optimism. The question isn't whether he'll be a star. It's how soon the team around him can develop into a true contender.

Frequently Asked Questions About Connor Bedard

How many goals does Connor Bedard have this season?

As of March 19, 2026, Connor Bedard has scored 28 goals this NHL season. His most recent came against the Minnesota Wild in a 2-1 Blackhawks victory that snapped a 19-game series losing streak.

What was Connor Bedard's recent point streak?

Bedard has recorded 11 points in his last 10 games, making him one of the hottest forwards in the league over that span. His recent run of form includes the decisive goal against Minnesota on March 19, 2026.

Did the Blackhawks make the playoffs in 2026?

No. As of late March 2026, the Chicago Blackhawks are 8 points back from a wild-card playoff spot and are not expected to qualify for the postseason. The team is still in a rebuild phase centered around Bedard and other developing players.

Who is Connor Bedard playing against on March 20, 2026?

The Blackhawks host the Colorado Avalanche on March 20, 2026. Colorado enters the game with the opportunity to clinch a playoff or division position with a victory in Chicago.

What was significant about the Blackhawks win over the Wild on March 19?

The 2-1 victory snapped a 19-game series skid against Minnesota (0-18-1). Chicago's previous win in the series dated all the way back to December 15, 2019 — a span of more than six years. Bedard's backhander goal and a last-second stick sweep by Alex Vlasic were the defining moments of the victory.

Conclusion: Why Bedard's Moment Matters Beyond the Win Column

The Blackhawks won't be playing in the 2026 NHL playoffs. But Connor Bedard is giving the franchise — and its fans — something arguably more valuable right now: proof of concept. A 28-goal season, an 11-point run in 10 games, a signature goal to end a six-year series drought. These are the building blocks of a genuine star.

As the Avalanche come to town looking to clinch, Bedard will be the most-watched player on the ice. That's not a burden for the young center — it's his natural habitat. And for a Blackhawks team learning how to win again, moments like these are exactly what the rebuild is supposed to produce.

The Connor Bedard era in Chicago is just getting started. If the last 10 games are any indication, the best is still very much to come.