Baltimores
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Dec 11, 2023
7:07 PM
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CHICAGO Connor Bedard was open, very open, when he fired his patented wrist shot for a beautiful and memorable power play goal in his young career.It took until Game 6 for the No. 1 pick of the Chicago Blackhawks to play his first home game in the NHL, but it only took 90 seconds for him to score his first goal here.'Whether it was a first career goal or first goal here, it's always nice to get that and it feels good to get it quick, ' Bedard said after a 5 3 loss to the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights at United Center on Saturday.'It was big for our power play to see one go in, but obviously now it doesn't feel as good after a loss. But in the moment, it was great for sure.'At 18 years, 96 days, Bedard became the second youngest player in Blackhawks history to score in his home opener behind Eddie Olczyk 18 years, 56 days on Oct. 11, 1984. The only other teenagers to do so were Stan Mikita 19 years, 140 days on Oct. 7 https://www.wildprostore.com/simon-johansson-jersey, 1959 and John Harms 19 years, 187 days on Oct. 29, 1944.He also scored the fastest goal by a Blackhawks player from the start of their home opener since Andrew Shaw on Oct. 11, 2014 59 seconds.'Yeah, you could see the ovation from the crowd, and the goal is well deserved, ' defenseman Connor Murphy said. 'It definitely gave the building and our team energy. It's pretty cool to see that right off the bat.' VGK CHI: Bedard opens scoring with PPG Bedard's presence alone was enough to create the most electric atmosphere at United Center, especially at the start of the game, in quite some time. The young star is expected to help expedite Chicago's rebuild, to be the next face of the franchise after former Blackhawks forwards Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who led them to Stanley Cup wins in 2010, 2013 and 2015.The anticipation surrounding Bedard's first home game was there throughout the day. He slapped hands with fans during the annual red carpet ceremony in the afternoon. He received the loudest cheers during player announcements. During the first television timeout, the Blackhawks played a video montage of Bedard, featuring clips from his childhood, his days with Regina of the Western Hockey League and international play with Canada.Bedard said the atmosphere lived up to what he expected.'Even more so, I'd say, ' he said. 'I've heard so many great things and obviously saw it in preseason. Even when I got drafted, we had a pretty electric crowd there, it was awesome. Just to finally get that real game and to see how energetic they are Zach Parise Jersey, how much they love us, it's awesome and we couldn't say more how much we appreciate it.'With his goal Saturday, Bedard has five points two goals, three assists in his first six NHL games. He's drawn compliments for how he's handled everything thus far, be it from teammates or opponents.'I don't know if anyone's honestly been in a situation like him, ' Golden Knights center Jack Eichel said before the game. 'He's probably had the most attention on him, but it seems like he's handling it great.'Having spent a little time around him https://www.wildprostore.com/marc-andre-fleury-jersey, I know his dedication to hockey and his work ethic. Hopefully, he's just enjoying his first few weeks in the NHL and taking it all in. Obviously, he's going to be a star in the League. The little bit I have gotten to see him, he looks like he's been playing for a while already, and obviously he's a confident player. You like to see that.'He makes plays, he attacks. I don't know exactly what he's going through big market like this in Chicago but I'm sure he's got guys over there he's leaning on, and his teammates are doing a good job of making it fun for him.'Bedard already endeared himself to Chicago and added to that in his first home game. He's been through a lot over the past few weeks, but he has appreciated every bit of it.'Yeah, it's been pretty wild. Ever since before camp ish, it's been crazy, but it's not something I look at as a negative at all, ' Bedard said. 'I'm really grateful to be in the position I am in, and there's very few people that get that opportunity, get to be as lucky. I'm looking at it like that.'I'm living out a dream, and I feel very fortunate for that. But it is crazy and busy. I'm human too; I can get a little tired. But it's been good and I'm just enjoying it.'NHL.com independent correspondent Bruce Miles contributed to this report
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