Connor Bedard has been denied a goal due to video replay three times this season, including in the Chicago Blackhawks' last two games.
On Monday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, the 18-year-old forward scored in the third period, but an offside call negated his goal. In the sequence, the Hawks star exchanged a look with goalie Spencer Martin, who taunted him by pointing at the scoreboard.
I missed this in real time, but Spencer Martin pointed at the scoreboard after Connor Bedard stared at him.
Martin got the win and Bedard finished the game with 3 points despite the goal being knocked down. Sharp fight. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/gb4h9F9lRP
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) February 20, 2024
However, Bedard hit the target again before the end of the period, losing 6 to 3.
On Saturday it was the game against the Ottawa Senators in which an excellent individual performance ultimately did him no good. Bedard confused the opposing defense and served goalkeeper Joonas Korpisalo a cup of coffee. However, the goal was disallowed because he grabbed the puck just before crossing the blue line while a teammate was in the opponent's territory.
The first goal denied to the British Columbian was on October 24, when he broke the ice in the first period of a duel against the Boston Bruins. Once again it was an offside call that justified the decision and the Blackhawks were defeated 3-0.
It's best to just laugh
Somewhat annoyed by these decisions against him, Bedard preferred to react humorously to journalists and mentioned those responsible for the video recording of the National Hockey League in Toronto.
“It’s crazy, right? It looks like Toronto doesn't like me very much. No, I'd rather say it's out of my control. I'm just trying not to get frustrated about it. I'm trying to score a goal to overturn the decision. “This has happened a few times, let's hope it doesn't happen again,” he said in the press crowd on Monday.
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“I watched the video last night and the look in his eyes said it all. “With the full visor, it looks like his eyes are even angrier or more disappointed,” head coach Luke Richardson said, referring to the piece of gear Bedard has been wearing since breaking his jaw.
Despite these few missteps, the young man still leads the league's rookies with 17 goals and 39 points. He has six points in three games since returning from injury.