(670 The Score/WGR 550) - Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard’s much-anticipated NHL debut was one to remember.
The first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft in June, and one of the most-hyped prospects of all-time, recorded an assist as the Blackhawks rallied from a two-goal deficit to earn a 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday evening in their season opener.
Bedard was aggressive in his debut, firing 11 shot attempts and registering five shots on goal, while constantly putting pressure on the Penguins.
The 18-year-old recorded his first NHL point late in the second period, when teammate Ryan Donato trimmed the Blackhawks’ deficit to 2-1 with a backhand goal in traffic in front of the net.
Bedard started the sequence with a nifty pass that he left for defenseman Alex Vlasic in space. Vlasic put a shot on goal before Donato capitalized on his rebound chance.
Asked in a postgame interview on ESPN what he’ll remember most about his debut, Bedard had a simple answer.
"Winning," he said.
The Blackhawks then scored three times in the third period to rally for the victory. Jason Dickinson scored the tiebreaking goal at the 15:29 mark of the third period on a wrist shot.
"It shows our mindset," Bedard told ESPN. "We’ve seen that throughout camp – guys want to win so bad.
"Everyone contributed, and it was a lot of fun."
Bedard logged 21:29 of ice time, the most of any Blackhawks forward in the opener.
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