On this day in 1985, the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Black Hawks combined for a goals fest that the NHL hasn't seen since. Connor Bedard [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzMTI0NTY1NzA0OTc1OTM5/usatsi_22164566_168400847_lowres.jpg] Connor Bedard Connor Bedard made all sorts of headlines this time last year at the world juniors [https://thehockeynews.com/news/connor-bedard-is-inevitable-at-the-world-juniors] –n and he did it again this year in the NHL with a spectacular goal. The Chicago Blackhawks' No. 1 overall pick scored a lacrosse-style goal nicknamed 'The Michigan' in Saturday night's contest against the Blues in St. Louis. It was Chicago's first shot on net about four minutes into the first period to tie the game 1-1. Bedard received a breakout pass in his own zone before cutting through center ice. With Blues forwards Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich pressuring Bedard to the outside and Torey Krug defending, Bedard let go a snapshot that went wide and rung around the boards. Blackhawks winger Philipp Kurashev regained possession of the puck as Bedard skated behind the net for a passing option. Kurashev swung a pass to Bedard, who quickly pivoted toward the left side of the net. Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington dropped his left pad to lean into the goalpost in an attempt to cut off any wraparound attempt, but he didn't see what Bedard had in mind. And just like that, the 18-year-old from North Vancouver scooped up the puck on his right-handed stick and placed the puck right between Binnington's left shoulder and helmet. That was Bedard's 13th goal of the year, but his 30 points in 33 games are more skill over luck. His linemate, former No. 1 overall pick Taylor Hall, is out for the rest of the season with an injury, and the center's had to adjust with several different line combinations. Nevertheless, he's building a lead among all NHL rookies in points, goals and assists. As for Friday's goal, which the NHL classifies as a "cradle" goal on its stats page [https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/chi-vs-stl/2023/12/23/2023020524], it's the first of that type in the 2023-24 season, following Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson's lacrosse-style goal [https://youtu.be/FJCHkD75xkw?feature=shared] on March 24 in the 2022-23 season. And it wasn't the only goal of that type on Saturday night, either, as Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras returned from a 20-game absence to score his third career NHL 'Michigan' goal. The Blackhawks ended up losing the game anyway, allowing five goals in the third period and losing 7-5 to the Blues.
