Blackhawks 5, Flames 2: Bedard's Hat Trick Burns Calgary

In some games, the story shifts before the third period starts. This game in Chicago had that feel. The Blackhawks were buzzing, and Connor Bedard — wearing an “A” for the first time — played like the puck was wired to him. He scored three goals. That said, it was the way he carried himself that stood out. The Flames hung around longer than their play probably deserved, tying it early in the third on a Rasmus Andersson blast. However, they never really got a hold of the game. Chicago was quicker, looser, and much more connected, and that difference lived in every puck battle.

The Flames Spent Too Much Time Reacting Instead of Pushing

From the Flames’ side, this game felt like another chapter in a season that can’t quite decide what it wants to be. Matt Coronato’s late power-play goal gave them a pulse, and Rasmus Andersson’s goal early in the third brought a spark of belief. But neither lasted long. Calgary spent too much time reacting, not enough time dictating, and whenever they crept close, the Blackhawks just leaned on Bedard.

Bedard is growing more capable of delivering this season, and he did it again. Flames goalie Dustin Wolf didn’t get much help. He saw too many tough chances at too many wrong times. Being an elite goalie for a team that’s losing has to be a tough way to live in this league.

Three Flames Key Points

Key Point One: Rasmus Andersson Leads a Flames’ Pushback: Rasmus Andersson had a goal and an assist, and for stretches looked like the only Calgary skater consistently tilting the ice in the right direction.

Key Point Two: Matt Coronato Offers a Glimpse: Coronato’s power-play goal was a sharp finish and a reminder that his instincts around the net are NHL-ready. The rest of the team didn’t match his urgency, but if they could, the Flames would be far more successful.

Key Point Three: The Flames’ Slow Starts Still Haunt Them: Calgary’s first two periods lacked tempo and detail, something they admitted afterward. Too many breakdowns turned into Chicago goals. It’s an area the team needs to clean up.

Final Flames Thought

The Flames got themselves back to 2-2, but they never looked settled. Until they find a way to start games with purpose — not chase them — nights like this will keep piling up.