Connor Bedard returned to the lineup and the Blackhawks wasted no time reminding everyone what they have. Chicago beat Pittsburgh 5-3 on Tuesday night with Bedard back in action for the first time this season. Teuvo Teravainen and Roman Kantserov each scored twice to carry the offense, with the team clicking well enough to overcome the Penguins' resistance.
Bedard told reporters afterward that playing again is "what I live for," signaling he's ready to carry this team through the stretch. The statement matters because it speaks to his mindset coming off whatever kept him sidelined. The Blackhawks need him healthy and engaged if they're going to compete down the line.
This was a straightforward win built on depth scoring and execution. Teravainen and Kantserov taking care of business means the team isn't relying on Bedard to single-handedly carry them. That's the kind of balance Chicago needs. The Penguins scored three but couldn't keep pace once the Blackhawks got rolling.