A faceoff gone wrong with 0.8 seconds left could have potential major ramifications on the first promising Blackhawks season in years.
Chicago’s former No. 1 pick Connor Bedard suffered a right shoulder injury on the final play of Friday’s 3-2 loss to the Blues that already has him ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Red Wings.
Bedard exited the ice while holding his right shoulder in a troubling scene, with Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill calling it a “freak accident.”
The coach did not say whether he believes this will be a short or lengthier absence, adding that he expects to have more information Monday.
“I’d hate to say that without knowing the information,” Blashill said. “Until we get the information — again, he’s not going to play tomorrow and when I know, I’ll let you know.”
The scary scene unfolded in literally the last second Friday after the referee dropped the puck and Bedard and Blues center Brayden Schenn fought for control.
Schenn fell to his knee and clearly pushed Bedard backwards, with the 20-year-old falling to the ice and immediately holding his right shoulder in discomfort.
Bedard got off the ice quickly but skated off in clear pain, heading straight into the tunnel while being attended to by a trainer.
“This doesn’t look good,” ESPN+ announcer Cassie Campbell-Pascall said. “The right arm, you can see it gets caught up high and he goes off holding that right shoulder.”
Blashill did not indicate that he believed Schenn committed a dirty play.
“I’d have to watch it again,” the coach said. “He’s trying to shoot it forward.
“Honestly, I think it’s a freak accident.”
Losing Bedard would be a massive blow for a Chicago team that finally seems to have taken a step forward in its quest to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Bedard is tied for the third-most points in the NHL with 43 and fourth-most goals with 19, and his brilliance has the Blackhawks (13-12-6) pushing for a playoff shot with 32 points.
