The Chicago Blackhawks’ season has been a disappointment, but at least they have Connor Bedard.
The rookie phenom has been one of very few positives for the team this season, and despite missing more than a month due to suffering a broken jaw, he leads all rookies in points.
Despite Bedard’s great performances night to night, the Blackhawks had a 22-game losing streak on the road before Tuesday’s game vs. the Arizona Coyotes at Mullet Arena.
But the Blackhawks scored not one, not two, not three, but an impressive four power-play goals during the game. Connor Bedard didn’t score any of those goals, but he did manage to pick up two assists.
But Bedard was also involved in an incident that went viral, as he got absolutely smoked by Coyotes defenseman Matt Dumba near the boards.
Bedard was in possession of the puck as he skated past the Coyotes’ blue line, but as he looked for a pas, Dumba came out of nowhere and crushed him from behind.
Bedard had already released the puck, but the hit from Dumba was termed legal by the officials, who made no call.
Fortunately, Bedard bounced back up like it was nothing, but on social media, fans were left divided about whether the hit was late or not and if Dumba deserved to be sent to the box.
”This is called boarding,” one said.
”He doesn’t even have the puck?” another said.
”That’s a late hit,” a third added.
But at the same time, many thought Bedard had some responsibility to keep his head up and be prepared for hits like that.
”He’s getting rocked every night,” one said.
”He had to know the hit was coming, yet the kid watches his pass instead of trying to evade the hit or protect himself. He was crushed. Learning the hard way,” another said.
”Do NHL players forget how to prepare for a hit on them?? He’s just standing there,” a third added.
