Bedard back vs. Capitals after missing 12 games

Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard returned to the lineup Friday against the Washington Capitals following a 12-game absence.

He'd been sidelined since sustaining an upper-body injury in the final second of Chicago's loss to the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 12.

The Blackhawks dropped their first five games without Bedard but have rounded into form recently with four straight victories.

Bedard has 19 goals and 44 points in 31 contests this season, and he still leads Chicago in scoring by 10 points despite his missed time. He ranks sixth in the league with 1.42 points per game.

The 20-year-old was left off Canada's Olympic roster despite his offensive success.

The Blackhawks are 18-18-7 on the campaign and three points out of the second wild-card spot.