Connor Bedard wasted no time in making eyes widen in his debut during a preseason game on Thursday, as he set the table in superb fashion for the decisive goal for the Chicago Blackhawks, winners by a score of 2 at 1 in overtime against the St. Louis Blues.
Already the author of an assist in the evening, the 18-year-old prodigy took advantage of the open three-on-three game to spot Andreas Athanasiou and serve him a clever lift pass.
Athanasiou handled the puck well, before placing it in the top corner with a backhand shot against goalie Will Cranley, all with 58 seconds remaining.
In addition to his two assists in front of a feverish United Center in each of his appearances, Bedard fired five shots on goal and won six of his ten faceoffs.
In his second appearance on the ice, Bedard maneuvered quickly in the neutral zone, before breaking down his rival Jake Neighbors in the offensive zone and taking a good shot.
Head coach Luke Richardson used him for 21:42, including 1:20 on the power play.
After a scoreless first half of the match, No. 98 of the Hawks participated in the first goal of the match, that of Philipp Kurashev.
Bedard redirected a pass from Kevin Korchinski to Joel Hofer’s pad, and Kurashev took his return to score.
Robert Thomas tied the score for the Blues with 9:00 left in the final period, giving us some exciting overtime play.
“It’s quite unreal”
Richardson placed Bedard in a line with Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato. The rookie received the loudest reception when his name was called before the opening faceoff – which he won.
Bedard’s number 98 jersey was seen everywhere at the United Center. Some were contemplating purchasing the sweater – US$250 for an authentic one and $200 for a replica – at the main boutique and smaller ones.
The Blackhawks were 26-49-7 last season. They took advantage of a surprise victory in the lottery for the first pick and thus chose Bedard.
He totaled 71 goals and 72 assists in 57 games in his final season with the Regina Pats, the best point total in the WHL since 1995-1996.
He was named player of the tournament when Canada won gold at the world junior hockey championship in January.
The 18-year-old British Columbian has been compared to Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby.
“He’s not coming into the league as an unknown,” Richardson said. The players are ready, which will present challenges for him.
“But it also gives him opportunities when players try to do too much at his expense. Everyone knows he can shoot on goal, but he can also make plays and see the action well. ”
It was a good challenge for Bedard, against a roster comprised mainly of players with NHL experience.
“I was talking to my dad today, and I said, ‘I’m going to play at the United Center and it’s pretty surreal,’” Bedard said. It’s big to see the fans and everything else. And playing against several players who are trying to make it in the NHL and others who have played in the NHL. ”
“It will be a good challenge. It’s something good to get used to and build from, so to speak. ”
