The final second of Friday’s loss to the St. Louis Blues brought worse news for the Chicago Blackhawks than an average loss.
Star centre Connor Bedard suffered an apparent right shoulder injury on the final faceoff, which came with 0.8 seconds left on the clock.
Bedard was lined up against Blues captain Brayden Schenn, who pushed the third-year phenom with a cross-check while trying to prevent the Blackhawks from a quick strike to even the game.
Bedard went down in pain immediately as the final horn sounded before skating to the bench and down the tunnel, holding his shoulder.
Blashill added that an update is expected Monday and called the play a “freak accident.”
The 20-year-old had two assists in Chicago’s 3-2 loss, which brings his point total on the year to 44 in 31 games. His 19 goals on the year are tied for fourth in the NHL.
If Bedard misses significant time, it could affect more than just Chicago’s playoff hopes. Bedard is among those competing for a spot on Team Canada at the Winter Olympics in February.
