Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 Calgary Flames
Bedard delivers hat trick as Blackhawks overpower Flames
Date: November 19, 2025 – Author: IHM News
Chicago delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, skating past Calgary 5-2 at United Center behind a dominant showing from Connor Bedard. The 19-year-old star controlled the pace from the second period onward, scoring three goals and generating a clear edge in transition play. Calgary pushed early and created second-chance looks, but Chicago’s defensive layers tightened after the opening 10 minutes and allowed the game to tilt in the home team’s favor.
The Flames tied the game twice, including a power-play strike late in the second period, but Chicago’s response shifts were immediate. Bedard’s transition goal early in the third restored the lead, and the Blackhawks never looked back. Physicality escalated dramatically in the closing minutes, with multiple misconduct penalties handed out after a post-whistle scrum.
Game Flow
First period: Chicago opened the scoring at 15:05 when Ryan Donato converted a quick slot feed during a broken-play sequence. Calgary had two early power plays but failed to connect, with Chicago’s PK compact around the dots.
Second period: Bedard extended the lead to 2-0 with a clean finish off a Rinzel pass, but Calgary answered on the man advantage when Matthew Coronato capitalized on a cross-seam setup. Chicago regained their structure late in the frame, denying controlled entries on three straight Flames possessions.
Third period: The period belonged entirely to Bedard. He restored Chicago’s lead at 4:57 on a perfectly timed trailer play and then completed the hat trick into the empty net at 19:19. Oliver Moore added another insurance marker in between, finishing a rebound chance generated by Nazar’s forecheck. The final minutes devolved into a parade of roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties involving multiple players on both teams.
Numbers Box
- Shots on goal: Chicago 23, Calgary 20
- Saves: Chicago 18, Calgary 18
- Blocked shots: Chicago 15, Calgary 11
- PIM: Chicago 10, Calgary 10
- Key performer: Connor Bedard – 3 goals, 7 SOG, dominant transition impact
Team Notes
Chicago continues to receive elevated production from its young core, with Nazar, Moore, and Rinzel each contributing to key scoring sequences. Calgary’s special teams showed flashes, but the Flames struggled to defend lateral movement in the defensive zone and allowed Chicago’s forwards to attack from the half-wall uncontested.
Coach Mark comment
Bedard managed the game exactly the way elite centers must. He dictated pace, attacked off the curl, and recognized when Calgary’s gaps widened in the neutral zone. Chicago’s defensive execution tightened as the game progressed, which is the main reason the momentum never tilted back to Calgary once the third period began.
Questions & Answers | IHM Performance Metrics
Q: What changed in Chicago’s transition game?
They began activating the weak-side D much earlier, creating 3-lane pressure and forcing Calgary into uncontrolled exits.
Q: Was the 5-2 scoreline reflective of the overall run of play?
Yes. Shot quality and zone time strongly favored Chicago after the first 12 minutes.
Q: How did Calgary’s special teams impact the game?
Their power play generated one goal but struggled to enter with control; Chicago read the drop-pass pattern effectively.
Q: What stood out about Bedard’s performance analytically?
His controlled-entry success rate was elite, and his release speed on all three goals was above his season average.
Q: Did Flames have a stretch where momentum tilted their way?
Only briefly in the late second period, but they failed to convert secondary chances created by their forecheck.
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