For the first time ever in the National Hockey League (NHL), Connor Bedard didn’t score a point in a game.
Luckily for him, his Chicago Blackhawks teammates got the job done with a 4-1 win over the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Monday night. Check out the highlights in the video above.
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Bedard was on the scoresheet in each of his first three games against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens. He had no opportunity to add more points in the Queen City and was stuck with three points in four games.
There is obviously nothing dramatic in the 18-year-old’s case, he will have to get used to not producing every game. Others took the opportunity to take his place in the spotlight, like Corey Perry.
The former Habs was very vocal with his opponents and their supporters. After scoring on a breakaway in the second half, he gestured toward the crowd to further taunt the fans.
Tyler Johnston and MacKenzie Entwistle also scored for the visitors, while Andreas Athanasiou provided two assists. Young defender Kevin Korchinski scored his first point in the National League.
After being named the first Star of the Week for his two hat-tricks, Auston Matthews failed to thread the ball this time. It’s not because he didn’t try, he finished the game with nine shots on goal.
However, Arvid Söderblom surprised the Leafs with an excellent effort between the posts. He blocked 36 pucks for his first win of the season.
The Hawks could count on the presence of Taylor Hall. The striker had injured his shoulder, but his injury was ultimately less serious than expected. He only missed the game against the Canadians on Saturday.
Bedard and the Blackhawks’ tour ends Thursday with a visit to the Colorado Avalanche. Chicago will then play its home opener against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.