In the midst of celebrating the start of the Boston Bruins’ 100th season, hockey fans witnessed a significant moment in the career of Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard. Bedard scored his first career NHL goal during the game against the Bruins, taking another early step towards joining hockey greats like Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito.
After the 3-1 loss to Boston, Bedard expressed his relief and excitement about scoring his first NHL goal. “It’s a big relief,” he admitted, holding the puck that marked the milestone. “You want to get one really bad, quick, and kind of get that out of the way. But it was a really cool moment and a cool building to do it in.”
David Pastrnak played a crucial role in the Bruins’ victory by scoring the tie-breaking goal in the second period. Pastrnak later added an empty-netter to secure the win. The victory was particularly notable for the Bruins as they started their season strong after setting NHL records for wins and points the previous year, only to be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
While Bedard’s first NHL goal was a significant accomplishment, it was overshadowed by the Bruins’ victory. Bedard, the much-anticipated rookie of the season, couldn’t fully savor the moment as his team suffered a loss. However, Bedard’s coach, Luke Richardson, reassured fans that Bedard was in good physical condition after an incident in the third period where he crashed into the boards. Although slow to get up, Bedard stayed in the game and proclaimed himself “great” post-game.
A Two-Game Streak
Bedard’s performance throughout his first two NHL games has been noteworthy. In his debut game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, he registered an assist for his first NHL point. Bedard followed up with his first NHL goal against the Bruins, solidifying his status as one of the few No. 1 overall draft picks to record points in each of his first two career games as an 18-year-old. This achievement puts him in the company of players like Nathan MacKinnon, who accomplished the same feat in the 2013-2014 season.
Reflecting on his first NHL goal, Bedard recalled the nerves he felt during the play. “I remember, like, being behind the net and kind of seeing it, and I was just like, ‘Don’t screw this up,'” he confessed with a hint of nervousness. Despite the pressure, Bedard successfully executed a wraparound move that outmaneuvered the Bruins’ goaltender and resulted in achieving his first NHL goal.
Connor Bedard’s first career NHL goal is undoubtedly a significant event in his young career. While the Chicago Blackhawks may have suffered a loss, Bedard’s accomplishment showcases his potential for becoming one of hockey’s next great talents. As the rookie continues to develop and gain more experience, hockey enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing his future successes on the ice.
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