NEWSLETTER
Coming into Tuesday night’s game in Pittsburgh, all of the talk was about Connor Bedard. ALL. OF. IT. To the point that you might not have noticed that there were 19 other guys wearing Blackhawks’ sweaters on the roster tonight. Or a home team with Stanley Cup aspirations on the other side with one of the great centers of all time waiting for Bedard in his debut.
The young Blackhawks looked like they were taking on water at times. They looked a little overwhelmed at times, too. But they didn’t break much, and hung around with the veteran Penguins a lot longer than probably many thought they would — or could.
The Penguins were never able to pull away and the baby Blackhawks hung around until it was 2-1… and then it was suddenly tied at two… and then OH LOOK THE BLACKHAWKS LEAD 3-2! When Corey Perry set up Nick Foligno for the empty net goal, the fans were leaving early on opening night in Pittsburgh.
Luke Richardson’s got some horses this year, kids. Look the hell out!!
Star 1: Petr Mrazek
There was a lot of hype around Bedard’s arrival, but the game still needed to be played. And when it was played, the Penguins were clearly the more experienced team. Mrazek was under fire early and often and played a terrific game — especially in the first period, when Pittsburgh could have easily taken a 2-3 goal lead to the room but were only up one. He was OUTSTANDING tonight and, even with all of the other excitement, was easily the No. 1 star for the Blackhawks.
Star 2: Connor Bedard
First skate? Check. First point? Check. Won a faceoff against Sidney Crosby? It might have taken until the start of the third period, but eventually… Check. He was a high-volume shooter who was defensively responsible and drove the offense. He took a few hits, got back up and went after the puck. If this was the starting point for his career and things go up from here… good luck, NHL.
Star 3: Ryan Donato
The Blackhawks’ top line of Bedard with Donato and Taylor Hall was their best driver of offense the entire night. Part of that was Bedard, but his two wingers needed to come along for the ride and they did. Donato was in all of the greasy areas, as evidenced by his first goal with the Blackhawks in the second period when he deposited some loose change. With Bedard struggling at the dot, Donato also jumped into the circle and won two of six faceoffs in the first two periods.
