Rookie was whacked above the wrist by the Colorado defenseman last week, but says it was no big deal. Avs host Blackhawks in rematch in Denver on Monday. Story with videos.
Colorado defenseman Josh Manson reached out and slashed Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard on the right forearm early in the third period of the Avalanche's dominant 5-0 win in Chicago last Thursday.
It was flagrant, but no penalty was called. It stung Bedard. He was ticked and went to the bench, but then continued playing. See the video in the link: https://x.com/JAYBlackhawks/status/1763661424352469112?s=20
Before Monday's rematch with the Avalanche in Denver, Bedard chuckled and laughed off the whack as a "love tap" from the 32-year-old Manson.
"It was nothing," Bedard said. "Maybe because it was a nationally televised game people saw the video a little more and made a big deal about it. But it was like a love tap that got me in a spot, so it didn't really matter." See following video.
Son of Dave "Charlie" Manson
Manson, in his 10th NHL season, is the son of 1990 Blackhawks first-round draft pick and talented tough-guy Dave "Charlie" Manson. Josh was born in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale, Illinois while Dave began his 16-year NHL career with the Blackhawks.
Blackhawks de facto captain Nick Foligno said he didn't see the slash.
"I didn't know it happened," Foligno said. "We get them again Monday. We'll see where it goes."
Bedard added the Avalanche didn't make it any tougher on him last week than other teams have so far. The Blackhawks overall effort in the game was disjointed as Colorado shut them down and Avs center Nathan MacKinnon reached 100 points.. See video and link to story.
Bedard Struggling Along With Teammates
Bedard has 41 points in 47 games to lead all rookies. His 17 goals are tied with Minnesota's Marco Rossi, who has played 62 games, for best among first-year players.
Bedard posted two goals and six points in his first three games after returning on Feb. 15 from a broken jaw. The NHL's top draft pick of 2023 had just two assists and was a minus-7 in his next five.
Bedard's been getting chances, but been frustrated by opposing goalies, hitting posts and shot-blocking opponents.