Blackhawks coach Anders Sorensen makes something clear to Connor Bedard, Tyler Bertuzzi after surprising change

Chicago Blackhawks interim head coach Anders Sorensen shuffled the lineup, while the team gears up for a series of pivotal matchups in the NHL. As Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi were affected by the coach’s decision, Sorensen issued a strong reminder, making something clear to the stars in Chicago.

The Blackhawks have lost their last four outings in the 2024-25 NHL season, failing to score more than two goals in their their first three games after the 4 Nations break.

Bedard and Bertuzzi have been concerningly quiet on the ice, as the 19-year-old centerman has been kept off the scoresheet since the league resumed regular season action on Feb. 22. Bertuzzi, who relies on his goalscoring production, is in a slump, carrying an 11-game scoring drought.

Sorensen decided to reunite Bedard and Bertuzzi on Chicago’s top line, pairing them with young talent Frank Nazar ahead of the Hawks’ matchup with the Utah Hockey Club. However, the move yielded no dividends, as Chicago delivered one of its worst performances of the season, despite only losing 2-1. In response, Sorensen has now chosen to break up that trio, sending Nazar down to the third line and promoting team-leading goalscorer Ryan Donato to the top group with Bedard and Bertuzzi.

Tyler Bertuzzi #59 of the Chicago Blackhawks arrives to the red carpet prior to the Chicago Blackhawks home opener against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on October 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

Sorensen’s decision raised many eyebrows in Chi-Town, as Bedard was placed in a different line combo once again. This constant shuffling hinders his production, preventing the franchise’s lynchpin from building chemistry with his linemates. Regardless, Sorensen doesn’t see it that way and has explained his reasoning to the players.

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“The biggest thing is you try to keep twosomes together,” Sorensen stated about the recent line changes, via Ben Pope of Chicago Sun-Times. “[Bedard] has been playing with [Bertuzzi] or [Donato] a lot lately. [Nazar] has been playing with [Slaggert] quite a bit, and in the past as well. It’s more about putting two together and then adding a guy there.”

Bertuzzi makes big admission

Tyler Bertuzzi is an excellent netfront presence, constantly active in the goalie’s sightline, ready to capitalize on any deflection or loose puck. He and Bedard have often found great success this season; however, the tide has recently turned.

Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against Cam Fowler #17 of the St. Louis Blues during the third period in the 2024 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on December 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

Neither Bedard, Bertuzzi, nor anyone on the Blackhawks has enjoyed the team’s games post-break. But in Bertuzzi’s case, he hasn’t hidden his frustration, as he’s now gone eleven games without finding the back of the net. Still, the 30-year-old is keeping a cool head about it.

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“Sometimes you hit a post or miss a chance,” Bertuzzi said, in dialogue with Chicago Sun-Times. “[But] when you’re on a streak and you’re feeling it, stuff is just hitting you and going on or any shots are going in. You ride the highs when they’re high, but you [should] keep grounding out the lows, and they’ll eventually come.”