Hats off to Connor Bedard as Blackhawks Win Showcase Opener

It may be an exhibition showcase and against other rookies. But anyone thinking the Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard wouldn’t be the real deal–he showed otherwise.

Bedard notched a hat trick in his first game wearing Blackhawks gear and Chicago knocked off St. Louis 5-0 in its opening game of the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase. Colton Dach added a goal and Louis Crevier opened the scoring in the second period.

🚨HAT TRICK CONNOR BEDARD🚨 pic.twitter.com/ltdmshwdPp

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 17, 2023

Drew Commesso turned away every shot in a pristine primiere for the Blackhawks.

Three Quick Thoughts on the Blackhawks 5-0 Win

#1: Connor Bedard was everything fans could have hoped for. His shot, as NBC’s Sports Charlie Roumeliotis pointed out is NHL caliber–and likely was last season, too. Hell, it was probably that good a few years ago already. But the goal he had from the left circle–his second of the game–was impressive not only because he made the play all by himself. No, it was more that from the top of the left circle, he chose to pick the far corner of the net instead of the short side.

That type of talent is generational. The first goal was a snap shot through traffic while the hat trick goal saw him take a pass, weave through the slot and bury it before anyone could react.

#2: Colton Dach looked good on Bedard’s line and was active all night. He was in front of the net for two of Bedard’s goals and got some puck luck on his own. An innocuous centering pass ended up finding its way into the back of the net. Not the intention, but Dach will take it.

#3: Drew Commesso is as smooth as advertised. The Blues didn’t exactly pepper him with an array of shots but the former Boston Terrier was good when he had to be. Chicago didn’t break the scoreless tie until the second period, but having some goal support certainly eases the burden.

A strong first look from the netminder who will be reporting to Rockford this season.

The Blackhawks wrap up the prospect showcase tomorrow at 3pm versus the Minnesota Wild. They’ll go without Bedard in that one.