It didn’t take long for Blackhawks’ rookie sensation Connor Bedard to make a statement. In just over five minutes into his second regular-season game, Bedard netted his first NHL goal, leaving his Chicago teammates ecstatic.
Bedard’s goal was a thing of beauty. From his slick maneuver at the blue line to evade an offside call, to the incredible back pass, cradling his own rebound, and finishing off with a wraparound move — every moment of the goal sequence was a sight to behold.
This milestone comes on the heels of Bedard’s highly-anticipated regular-season debut, where he faced off against seasoned veteran Sidney Crosby in Chicago’s season opener.
Although his first point didn’t result in a highlight reel assist, Bedard’s effort leading up to the goal showed why he’s considered the most highly regarded prospect since Connor McDavid’s emergence nearly a decade ago. With blazing speed, Bedard breezed through the neutral zone, gliding past Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson before delivering a flawless drop pass to Alex Vlasic, who set up Ryan Donato for the game-winning goal.
Bedard also had a memorable rookie moment when he almost forgot his stick before hitting the ice for warmups in Pittsburgh.
In his debut game, Bedard recorded one assist, five shots on goal, and 11 shot attempts. He controlled an impressive 63.25% share of expected goals at 5-on-5, carrying his electrifying play into his first regular-season game in Chicago against the Bruins.
Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.