Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard attempted to score with a flashy Michigan move during his team's season opener against the Utah Hockey Club. However, the tricky maneuver fell short as he lost control of the puck before completing the play.
The Blackhawks went on to lose the game 5-2, and fans on social media quickly criticized Bedard's decision to go for the Michigan goal rather than taking a simpler shot.
One fan said:
"Anyone who tries this should be flattened immediately."
Another fan said:
"Kid will never play 82 [games] if he keeps that up."
Here are other reactions from fans on X:
"Gary Bettman would have had him thrown out of the game if he scored" one fan said.
"He’s a b***h … will never be close to mcdavid" another fan wrote.
"Not scoring and completely ignoring your line mates as a 1C, very swag please keep it up." another user commented.
"Why are you trying to do that when losing?" another user wrote.
The Utah Hockey Club dominated the game, with Barrett Hayton, Dylan Guenther (netting two), Clayton Keller and Lawson Crouse all contributing goals.
The Blackhawks had goals from Nick Foligno and Teuvo Teravainen, but they weren't enough to overcome Utah.
Between the pipes, Utah's Connor Ingram stood tall with 25 saves, while Chicago's Petr Mrazek stopped 21 shots in a losing effort.
Connor Bedard on entering his second NHL season
Connor Bedard entered his second NHL season, bringing the experience and confidence that came from his impressive rookie year.
According to Bedard, he used this past offseason to focus on conditioning and skill development to be even more prepared for the speed and physicality of the NHL.
"It feels good for myself, just being maybe a little more relaxed going into it," Bedard said after Monday practice. "I was in the gym and on the ice just trying to put myself in as much of game situations as I can."
Bedard credited his increased comfort level entering year two to the knowledge he gained during his rookie season.
"There's just little things that you pick up or you change a little bit after getting used to the league and playing some games," he said.
Up next for Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks are the Winnipeg Jets on Friday.