Chicago Blackhawks rising younger star Connor Bedard left Friday’s contest towards the New Jersey Devils after taking a heavy hit from defenseman Brendan Smith.
Previous the halfway level of the primary interval, Smith met Bedard with a thunderous test as he crossed the blue line into the Chicago offensive zone. The 2023 No. 1 choose went down exhausting, holding his mouth earlier than gingerly skating off the ice towards the dressing room.
Smith’s hit was clear and it additionally appeared like he let up a bit earlier than contact. Even nonetheless, the hit resulted in somewhat pushing and shoving between the 2 sides as Bedard’s teammates sought retribution.
The gifted centerman wasn’t on the ice for the beginning of the second interval and the Blackhawks later announced that he’d be out for the rest of the sport.
Bedard had his head down, making the hit harking back to Scott Stevens’ devastating blow to former Philadelphia Flyers captain Eric Lindros within the 2000 Japanese Convention Last. Bedard was a minimum of in a position to exit the ice on his personal energy, which is an effective signal, even when the extent of his harm continues to be unknown.
If compelled to overlook video games, the timing is not the very best. Lower than 24 hours after changing into the youngest participant in NHL historical past chosen to the All-Star Sport, his standing for the annual showcase could also be in jeopardy.
Getting into play Friday, the 18-year-old lead the Blackhawks and all first-year gamers in factors (33), racking up 15 objectives and 18 assists over 38 video games.
