Corey Perry scored twice, Connor Murphy once. See postgame video.
Connor Bedard's first "unofficial" goal as a pro won't make any highlight reels.
But his empty-net power play tally with 1:09 left in the third period iced the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-2 exhibition win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night.
With Detroit goalie Michael Hutchinson pulled for an extra attacker, Bedard dumped in shot from the blue line. The NHL's top draft pick of 2023 added his third and fourth assists of the preseason in a smooth performance.
"He's kind of a humble guy," coach Luke Richardson said. "He doesn't even want to celebrate that.
"He's kind of bashful and he wants to score a nice goal," Richardson added. "I don't know if he even counts those. I think he just wants to have a good game here at home, especially. I think he's kind of hard on himself and we're going to have to lighten him up." Click on the full video below.
Corey Perry with two goals, including game-winner.
Newcomer Corey Perry scored twice and Taylor Hall, Bedard's linemate, had three assists.
Dishing the puck from a faceoff, Bedard set up defenseman Connor Murphy's goal from the right point that put the Blackhawks ahead 2-1 with 4:30 left in the second period.
"Everyone talks about his world-class (shot) release, but I'm even more so (impressed) with the way he's able to read the play and make the play that's there and not just force shots all the time," Murphy said. "He knows that guys are going to respect the shot and that kind of opens up (passing) lanes."
The Red Wings tied it at 2 at 4:49 of the third when Joe Veleno rifled in his second goal of the game.
Then Bedard helped quarterback the power play that resulted in Perry's second score and restored Chicago's lead, 3-2, at 9:59 of the third. The 18-year-old rookie's empty-netter sealed it.
Bedard took five of Chicago's 34 shots in the game. He also was whistled for his first penalty, for tripping at 13:42 of the third.
Bedard started centering a line with Hall on the left wing and Tyler Johnson on right. Ryan Donato was the trio's right winger at the morning skate, but was scratched just before the game with a with a groin issue.
Big rookie forward Colton Dach makes impression.
Richardson juggled his forwards in the second period, putting 6-foot-4, 200-pound rookie Colton Dach on Bedard's right side. Dach is a top-10 prospect in the Blackhawks system per THN's scouting panel.
"I've been impressed with him since Day One of the rookie camp this year," Richardson said. "Physical. Engaged on the bench. Engaged on the ice.
"He can play a hard role with some of the rugged guys or go out there and play with skill guys."
Like Bedard, the 20-year-old Dach played on Canada's gold-medal WJC team last winter before suffering a shoulder injury. Known for his shot, Dach is eligible to skate this season as a minor league pro with AHL Rockford and would not have to be returned to his junior team, the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds.
Johnson moved to a line with center Lukas Reichel, Chicago's No. 2 forward prospect, and Taylor Raddysh.
Chicago goalie Petr Mrazek played the entire game, stopping 17 shots.
NOTES: Richardson said Donato's injury was not considered serious and the forward is out day-to-day. ... The 38-year-old Perry signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Chicago to add leadership and grit. ... Richardson continued to be impressed with swift-skating rookie defensemen Kevin Korchinski and Wyatt Kaiser, as well as stay-at-home D-man Isaak Phillips.