In a high-stakes Central Division showdown on Thursday night at the Delta Center, Connor Bedard once again proved why he is the face of the franchise. Bedard buried a rebound at the 3:57 mark of overtime to lift the Chicago Blackhawks past the Utah Mammoth with a 3-2 victory. The win marks a significant turning point for Chicago, completing a rare season sweep of their division rivals and showcasing the growing chemistry between their young core and veteran acquisitions like Tyler Bertuzzi.
The Deep Dive
The Bedard Effect in Extra Time
The game reached its fever pitch in the three-on-three overtime session. After a frantic back-and-forth that saw Utah nearly end the game on a Nick Schmaltz breakaway, the Blackhawks counter-attacked. Defenseman Alex Vlasic unleashed a heavy slapshot that rang off the post, but the rebound landed perfectly on the tape of Connor Bedard. The 20-year-old superstar made no mistake, snapping the puck into the open net before letting out a primal scream and pounding on the glass in front of a stunned Salt Lake City crowd.
This goal marks Bedard’s 27th of the season and further cements his reputation as a premier late-game performer. “You just try to find those soft areas,” Bedard said in the post-game scrum. “Vlasy made a great play to get that through, and I just happened to be in the right spot for the bounce.”
A Tale of Special Teams
The Blackhawks struggled to find their rhythm early, falling behind 1-0 in the second period after Dylan Guenther beat Spencer Knight on a clinical two-on-one break. However, the third period belonged to Chicago’s power play. Tyler Bertuzzi tied the game early in the frame on a four-on-three advantage, assisted by a precision cross-ice laser from Bedard. Bertuzzi’s goal was his 10th road power-play tally of the season, leading the NHL in that category.
Frank Nazar then gave Chicago a temporary 2-1 lead with ten minutes remaining, circling the net and burying a feed from Teuvo Teravainen. While Utah’s JJ Peterka would eventually force overtime with a late goal off a Chicago turnover, the Blackhawks’ ability to capitalize on special teams kept them in the fight.
Knight Stands Tall
Perhaps the biggest unsung hero of the night was goaltender Spencer Knight. Entering the game on a four-game losing streak, Knight looked composed against a relentless Mammoth attack that outshot Chicago 31-23. His sprawling pad save on Logan Cooley in the final minutes of regulation preserved the tie and set the stage for Bedard’s overtime heroics. With the win, the Blackhawks move within striking distance of a wild-card spot, injecting much-needed life into their late-season playoff push.
FAQ: People Also Ask
How many points does Connor Bedard have this season?
As of March 13, 2026, Connor Bedard has recorded 27 goals and 35 assists for 62 points in 53 games, maintaining his status as one of the league’s top offensive producers.
Who are the Utah Mammoth?
The Utah Mammoth are an NHL expansion franchise that began play in the 2024-25 season (formerly the Arizona Coyotes). They play their home games at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
What is the Blackhawks’ next game?
The Chicago Blackhawks are scheduled to visit the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night as they continue their Western Conference road trip.
