When it comes to Connor Bedard, it seems you can expect a mild reaction to milestones.
First point, first goal — even if it was the preseason — you would think an 18-year-old prospect who’s about to break into the NHL would at least crack a smile.
That’s what Chicago Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson thought, too, when he approached Bedard about scoring Tuesday night during a 4-2 overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center.
“It was funny, I saw him last night after the game and (I said), ‘You didn’t want to celebrate your empty-net goal?’ And he kind of sheepishly looked at me — like in disgust,” Richardson said after practice Wednesday at Fifth Third Arena. “That’s not the type of goals he likes to score. But in this league (you celebrate) getting a goal and two assists, even if it wasn’t your best night.
“He’s hard on himself.”
Bedard went 1-for-5 on shots on goal against the Wings, including four on the power play, scoring on an empty-netter with 1 minute, 9 seconds left.
“I feel like people will talk about my shot more and I’ve never really seen myself as a shooter,” Bedard said. “Not that I don’t want to be, but my game isn’t really get the puck and shoot it. For me, it’s whatever the right play is.”
The No. 1 pick in the June draft had two assists Tuesday to bring his total to four in three preseason games.
“I don’t know if I see myself as a goal scorer or a passer, or just one,” Bedard said. “Whatever the right play is, I’m going to try to make that. But I definitely don’t see myself as a guy that always wants to shoot the puck.”
Bedard also went 2-for-10 on faceoffs, including 1-for-7 (14%) against Andrew Copp. Bedard also had two offensive-zone giveaways.
“I felt pretty good, but personally, a lot of plays I shouldn’t have made,” Bedard said. “I’m still learning and getting used to everything, but I thought our team played pretty well.”
Richardson said Bedard will play Thursday in a preseason home game against the Minnesota Wild.
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The Hawks close out the preseason Saturday at the St. Louis Blues, then it’s one more day of practice Monday before they open the season against the Penguins on Tuesday in Pittsburgh.
Is Bedard ready?
“Oh, he’s ready,” Richardson said. “I’m sure he’s been ready. But again, he’s got to realize in this league, in 82 games, that every night it’s not going to be smooth sailing and perfect. So he’s got to be ready for a long grind. …
“But he loves the game so much that he wants to get back on that ice and work the next day.”
Bedard couldn’t say whether he’s ready.
“Just taking it day by day,” he said. “I’m always confident in myself — that’s big — but there are definitely areas I can get better in.
“And every day you’ve got to really go into it well because you know that there’s not much time now till the real games start.”