Bedard is back, and Chicago's power play needs him yesterday

Look, the Chicago Blackhawks have scored 12 goals in six games. My fantasy team has scored 12 goals in six games, and I drafted it during a rain delay.

So yes, Connor Bedard coming back Tuesday against Pittsburgh is a big deal. It's also the first time he wears the C in a game that counts, and the first time he plays a real one next to Patrick Kane. That's three storylines in one shift. Chicago hasn't stacked three good things in one night since the 2015 parade.

Bedard practiced fully Sunday and Monday. He hurt his left shoulder training in Vancouver on July 2 and had surgery a few days later. Jeff Blashill called him "trending toward" playing, which is coach for "he's playing unless the morning skate catches fire."

The number

Chicago's power play is 1-for-14 this season, by our count. One. That's not a power play. That's five guys standing around a puck like it owes them money.

That's exactly where Bedard goes, too. He's working the left circle on the top unit with Kane on the right. Kane still believes in the seam pass. Bedard said he's been watching Kane "since I was 5 years old," which is a lovely quote and also a great way to make a veteran feel like a museum exhibit.

Kept off the sheet

Kane has two points in six games while playing 19.6 minutes a night, per NHL data. Chicago's leading scorer is Anton Frondell with four points. The team has been outscored 26-12. Buddy, I'm begging you, somebody pass the kid the puck.

The grade

• Blackhawks' start without him: D-minus. One win, five losses, 0-4 on the road. The only reason it isn't an F is that the Flyers exist.
• Bedard's return timing: A. Home ice, a new C on the sweater, a nervous building and a Penguins team that just traded for a defenseman Monday night because it ran out of them.

The take

Bedard doesn't fix a team that gives up four a night. He's 203 points into 219 career games, and he's a scorer, not a goalie. But he fixes the power play by Halloween, and he makes Kane look 30 again for at least two periods a night.

Here's my call: Bedard gets a point Tuesday, Chicago's power play scores a goal, and somebody in the United Center throws a hat for a power-play goal. They'll be wrong. They'll also be right.

I said what I said.