The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Ottawa Senators 7-3 on Oct. 28 at the United Center, improving to 5-3-2 in their first 10 games of the 2025-26 season. Connor Bedard recorded his first NHL hat trick and reached 50 career goals, while several players hit personal milestones in the victory. The win highlighted the team's growing cohesion amid a strong recent stretch.
The Blackhawks hosted the Senators on Tuesday night, jumping to an early 3-0 lead in the first period. Colton Dach opened scoring with his first goal of the season, cleaning up a rebound from defenseman Louis Crevier's shot during a delayed penalty. Nick Foligno earned the secondary assist, marking his 600th NHL point in his 19th season. Crevier later added his second goal of the year, securing his first career multi-point game and giving Chicago a 2-0 advantage. Bedard then scored on the power play for a 3-0 lead, his 49th NHL goal.
The second period saw the Senators rally with three unanswered goals, outshooting Chicago 9-5 and narrowing the gap to 4-3. Bedard responded quickly, scoring his 50th career goal early in the frame to become the seventh Blackhawks player to reach that mark before age 21, joining legends like Bobby Hull and Patrick Kane. Later, with an assist from Ryan Greene on a faceoff win, Bedard completed his hat trick with a wrist shot, restoring a 5-3 lead. At 20 years and 103 days, he became the third-youngest player in franchise history to achieve the feat. Bedard finished with four points, leading the team with 12 points (six goals, six assists) through 10 games.
The Blackhawks pulled away in the third, as Ryan Donato netted his 100th point as a Blackhawk, assisted by Bedard. Frank Nazar sealed the win with a shorthanded empty-net goal, his fifth of the season. Sam Lafferty appeared in his 100th game with Chicago, playing 9:55. Coach Jeff Blashill praised the lineup of 11 forwards and seven defensemen, noting Crevier's reliability on the penalty kill. Foligno highlighted Bedard's elite play: “He is elite... If we get that Connor Bedard every night, it's going to be fun.” Bedard, reflecting on his performance, emphasized team focus while expressing Olympic aspirations: “I would do anything to be on that team.” Chicago, 5-1-1 in their last seven, heads into a six-game road trip starting Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets.
