Blackhawks Unveil Potent Five-Forward Power Play Led by Connor Bedard

Unorthodox unit has been a bright spot in a tough season for the rebuilding Blackhawks

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Blackhawks power-play sequence, with the players' movements and the puck's trajectory broken down into abstract shapes and planes, capturing the energy and creativity of the unconventional unit.The Blackhawks' innovative five-forward power-play unit has found success through a creative, dynamic approach that challenges traditional hockey strategy.Chicago Today

The Chicago Blackhawks have found success with an unusual five-forward power play unit that features top prospect Connor Bedard quarterbacking the attack from the blue line. Despite concerns about defensive coverage, the unit has generated significantly more scoring chances and goals than the team's previous power play configurations. Coach Jeff Blashill says he would be "crazy not to" keep the unit together to start next season as the Blackhawks look to build on this late-season progress.

Why it matters

The Blackhawks' power play struggles have been a major issue this season, so the emergence of this productive five-forward unit provides a rare bright spot and potential building block for the future. Bedard's playmaking ability from the point has unlocked new offensive threats, and the team's young core is gaining valuable experience and confidence as they close out the season.

The details

In the last five games, the Blackhawks' five-forward power play unit featuring Bedard, Anton Frondell, Frank Nazar, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Teuvo Teravainen has generated about 1.85 scoring chances per minute, up from just 0.87 previously this season. They've scored basically four power-play goals in those 17 minutes together, with Bedard proving adept at quarterbacking plays from the blue line and making accurate passes or getting shots through traffic. The unit has also limited shorthanded chances against, allowing only two and no goals.

  • The Blackhawks first deployed the five-forward power play unit five games ago in New Jersey.
  • The unit had one of its most impressive performances on Monday against the Sharks.

The players

Connor Bedard

A top prospect for the Blackhawks who has quarterbacked the team's productive five-forward power play unit from the blue line, making accurate passes and getting shots through traffic.

Anton Frondell

A forward on the Blackhawks' five-man power play unit who has provided a dangerous one-timer threat from the flank.

Frank Nazar

A Blackhawks forward who has played on the flanks of the five-forward power play unit, utilizing his playmaking skills.

Tyler Bertuzzi

A Blackhawks forward who has continued his effective work down low on the five-man power play unit.

Teuvo Teravainen

A Blackhawks forward whose strong defensive skills have helped mitigate the risks of having no defensemen on the ice for the five-forward power play unit.

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What they’re saying

“They're definitely catching some confidence and swagger. [Connor Bedard] up top is real dangerous; he's a great distributor. [Anton] Frondell on that side is a real weapon, too, with his one-timers. The combo of all five guys, they're starting to get some chemistry. I think they've looked good every time they've been together, to be honest.”

— Jeff Blashill, Blackhawks Head Coach

“He's moving the puck so well, and when he's moving over to me, it's right where I want it for the shot.”

— Anton Frondell, Blackhawks Forward

What’s next

The Blackhawks will have to demonstrate again in training camp next season that their unusual five-forward power play unit still works, but they've at least earned the opportunity to start it together.

The takeaway

The Blackhawks' five-forward power play has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult season, providing a glimpse of the team's offensive potential when their young core is allowed to play to its strengths. If this unit can continue to build chemistry and production, it could become a key part of the Blackhawks' plans as they look to accelerate their rebuild.