WATCH: 18-year-old Connor Bedard registers FIRST NHL point in 4-2 victory over Penguins on opening night

Connor Bedard collected his first NHL point in his official debut with the Blackhawks as he setted up the opener for his side in their 4-2 comeback win.

WATCH: 18-year-old Connor Bedard registers FIRST NHL point in 4-2 victory over Penguins on opening night

Connor Bedard celebrates his first NHL point (Pic Credit: X/Chicago Blackhawks)

The new season of the NHL is here. After a four-month break since June, the 2023-24 season kicked off on Tuesday night as three matches were played. The marquee game though was definitely the meeting between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks. In this matchup against Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard, the youngster shined the brightest as he registered his first point.

It was a momentous occasion for both sides. While the visitors debuted two rookies in Bedard and Kevin Korchenski, the home side saw the return of an iconic trio. Crosby along with Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin returned for their eighteenth season as teammates, the most in any North American sport.

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With the eyes of the NHL world on this game, it was Crosby who first grabbed the headlines. The Penguins captain doubled his side’s lead in the second period to give his side a 2-0 lead. After a review by the umpires, the goal stood to much of the delight of the fans.

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It was now time for Bedard to shine. The 18-year-old rookie showed off his skills as he skated past the defense. He would go on to initiate the comeback as he settled up Ryan Donato through a rebound for his first NHL assist. This also turned out to be the first point as the Blackhawks reduced the deficit to 2-1. They would later go on to win the game 4-2. Check out Bedard’s assist to Donato’s goal below:

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Connor Bedard claims to do even better as season progress

The spotlight this year has been heavily on Connor Bedard. The young hockey star has impressed everyone with his performances and was on the minds of every team. Luckily for the Chicago Blackhawks, they won the lottery draft and picked him up as the number one draft. The 18-year-old sensation has now claimed he can do even better.

Connor Bedard
Connor Bedard (Pic Credit: Imago)

The nerves are always there for any player who is about to make a debut on such a big stage. Bedard was also nervous before the game. His performance in his debut game has given plenty of optimism to the fans. “I think, for me, it’s just trying to get better every shift, every game. I created a bit. There’s obviously things I can get better at… but felt pretty good,” he said after the game.

Starting on a winning note is always a positive sign. Bedard and his teammates will have the chance to keep the early momentum going as they take on the Boston Bruins next time out. They will though have to wait till October 21 to play their first home game in front of their fans when they take on reigning champions, the Vegas Golden Knights.

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