Bedard becomes youngest player since 1944 with 4-point game
Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard tallied two goals and two assists in his team's 5-3 victory on Thursday night, becoming the third-youngest player in NHL history with a four-point game. He trails only Bep Guidolin and Hall of Famer Ted Kennedy, both of whom accomplished the feat in 1944.
Bedard also became the youngest player in Blackhawks history with a multi-goal game, besting Kirby Dach.
The 2023 No. 1 pick came out flying against the Tampa Bay Lightning, notching two goals and an assist in the first period alone. His effort was highlighted by this nifty give-and-go with Nick Foligno.
Head coach Luke Richardson came away impressed with Bedard's performance.
"He's been here for a dozen games now, and he's starting to really figure it out and use his skills at the best of his ability," Richardson said, per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun Times. "It paid off for him and us tonight."
Bedard shrugged off his heroics and gave credit to his teammates.
"(For) all the points, I feel like other guys did great things and I got the benefit," Bedard said. "It's obviously nice getting on the scoresheet, but there's a lot that goes into it."
Veteran Taylor Hall handed Bedard the Blackhawks' player of the game chain.
It was the first multi-point game of Bedard's young career. He now paces all rookie skaters with seven goals and 11 points through 12 games.