Bedard's record-tying game fuels Canada's rout of Austria at WJHC
Connor Bedard once again took center stage during Team Canada's 11-0 thrashing of Austria at the world juniors Thursday night.
The projected 2023 first overall pick tied Jordan Eberle for the most all-time career goals by a Canadian at the world juniors after scoring his 13th and 14th in the host nation's second straight victory.
Bedard's first goal of the contest came from a very sharp angle in the second period, and he went on to match Eberle's feat while getting knocked down late in the final frame.
The 17-year-old tied another Canadian world juniors record for most points in a single game Wednesday versus Germany after putting up a hat trick and four assists.
Bedard chipped in with six more points Thursday, giving him 27 total in just 12 career games at the world juniors. He has now taken sole possession of second place on Canada's all-time points list and is only four back of Eric Lindros for the lead.
Despite Bedard's dominance, teammate Logan Stankoven was named Canada's player of the game after recording one goal and three assists against Austria.
It took about 14 minutes for the first goal to be scored, but the Canadians never looked back after Dylan Guenther capitalized on his team's first power-play opportunity.
Canada netted four goals in each of the next two periods and outshot Austria 47-12 overall. Goaltender Ben Gaudreau earned the shutout after being pulled from Canada's tournament-opening loss to Czechia.
Ten different players lit the lamp for Canada in the rout. Zach Dean, Nolan Allan, Adam Fantilli, Nathan Gaucher, and Tyson Hinds each scored their first goal of the tournament, while captain Shane Wright and Joshua Roy also tallied for the reigning gold medalist.
Austria had been outscored 20-0 by its opponents entering Thursday's matchup and surrendered 11 goals for the second time this tournament.
Bedard's next chance to break Eberle's record will come Saturday against Sweden, while Austria will take on Germany on Friday.