Chicago Blackhawks 18 year old phenom Connor Bedard, was as advertised, leading the Blackhawks and NHL rookies with 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games last season. He's likely to win the Calder Trophy.
Yet here at the World Championships, he's been in a dry spell. In Hockey Canada's recent 4-3 overtime win over against Czechia, he went his fourth straight game without a point. Not the best streak for the rising star, especially after his explosive five goals in 3 games start in the tournament.
To add to the drama, he saw his ice time drop significantly, skating just over 8 minutes and 10 shifts, the lowest among Canadian forwards. And to make matters worse, he only managed one shot on goal.
Now, fast forward to today's quarterfinal showdown against Slovakia, and Bedard found himself listed as Canada's 13th forward. Not exactly the spotlight he's used to. Yet sometimes you've got to roll with the punches.
Surprisingly, he managed to pick up an assist in Canada's 6-3 win, helping to extend their lead and reach the semifinals.
