The Blackhawks were on the wrong end of the win column last night, losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 in a game where catch-up was needed all night. But it was a play behind Ryan Donato's goal that made it 5-2 that had some people talking. Despite the Chicago Blackhawks drafting Connor Bedard and hoping to take a step in the right direction to prove to the National Hockey League that they are closer to being contenders than pretenders,.
During the play, as Bedard skated towards the net, possibly to cover off Gudbranson, agitator, Mathieu Olivier took liberties with him, cross-checking him in the back. To make matters worse, as Bedard fell, his head hit the backside of the 6'5 defenseman.
Bedard, whom many believe will be a star in the National Hockey League and quite possibly a generational player, has had his fair share of growing pains. From breaking his jaw to now this, he must learn that you have to keep your head up and on a swivel.
First-overall picks do not always understand the assignment right away, and if they are surrounded by players and personnel that cannot protect him or help in his development. Although he will be fine, one has to wonder what he's thought about his freshman season.
