Goalkeeping no longer seemed to hold any secrets for Connor Bedard, but now that he’s competing against the best in the world, the young striker realizes he won’t be as effective as he once was.
Without necessarily being surprised, the new Chicago Blackhawks representative is surprised to have only scored one goal in four games. This is because he has been used to filling the nets in recent years, scoring 134 goals in as many Western Junior League games.
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“I feel like I’m playing well. I’m trying to find the end of the net and that’s been the hardest thing so far. It gets a little frustrating,” Bedard admitted in an interview with The Athletic on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old knows the expectations are high and he’s probably putting a lot of pressure on himself. The British Columbian looked good with three points in his first four meetings, but great players always want more.
“I created opportunities. It’s pretty crazy not being able to score. But it is important to create opportunities, argued Bedard. I had several options. The goalkeeper makes a good save or I just miss. I continue. I would have to worry more if I didn’t have these opportunities. Of course I want them to come back, but it’s only been a few games.”
Keep throwing
So far, the first overall pick in the 2023 draft has played against Tristan Jarry (Pittsburgh Penguins), Samuel Montembeault (Montreal Canadiens), Joseph Woll (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Linus Ullmark (Boston Bruins). He opened his National League account against him, the recent winner of the Vezina Trophy, in his second game.
“They are good goalkeepers. I can’t disagree with that. They are the best in the world and it will be difficult to score goals because of them. Personally, I try to throw further and stay confident with my shot. I’ve been close a few times, so I’ll keep it that way,” said Bedard, who will face the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night.
This season, the Regina Pats product has taken 20 shots on opposing goals, which puts him fourth in the rankings. He also ranks first in scoring chances. Let’s just say it’s not for lack of trying.