There is a fair criticism that Bedard could be better at managing his shift times. He’s tied for eighth in the league with 58 seconds per shift. He had nine shifts of a minute or more against the Oilers.

Bedard scored a goal on two shots in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Hurricanes. Bedard has goals in consecutive games and has gotten on the scoresheet in four straight contests. He heated up just before the holiday break and hasn't slowed down in January with five goals and seven helpers over 13 outings.

Bedard made some ill-advised passes Wednesday against the Oilers, and TNT analyst Paul Bissonnette called them out. There were grounds for that, but it's important to remember that Bedard is still only 19 — and his play is scrutinized more closely than arguably anyone else in the NHL.

No one expected the Chicago Blackhawks to contend for the Stanley Cup this season. And from my perspective, there’s been plenty of sympathy for Connor Bedard, whose desire to win has been hindered by joining a rebuilding team.

Bedard notched a power-play assist, three shots on goal and four PIM in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Oilers.