Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard has provided several highlight-reel moments during his rookie season, however his “Michigan goal” on Saturday left quite the impression on Hockey Hall of Fame member Wayne Gretzky.
The term “Michigan goal” was coined after a move by former Wolverines winger Mike Legg in a 1996 NCAA Tournament game against Minnesota. It occurs when a player lifts the puck onto his stick from behind the net and executes a lacrosse-style shot in the air that beats the goaltender.
Bedard replicated the goal by slipping the puck past the left shoulder of Jordan Binnington at 3:49 of the first period in the Blackhawks’ 7-5 loss to the host St. Louis Blues.
Gretzky, who was in attendance at the Enterprise Center, admitted to being impressed by both the 18-year-old’s goal and his season at large thus far.
“He’s been fun to watch. He’s been better than we probably anticipated,” Gretzky said on the ESPN-plus broadcast. “… I couldn’t do what he did tonight. This wasn’t in my repertoire.”
Bedard leads the Blackhawks in goals (13), assists (17) and points (30) in 33 games since being selected by Chicago with the first overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft.
–Field Level Media
Devin Vassell scored 22 points, including a key 3-pointer with 1:03 to play, as the host San Antonio Spurs held off the New Orleans Pelicans 119-115 on Saturday night. San…
Reigning NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga scored in the second minute for the host Kansas City Current, who posted a 3-1 victory over the Portland Thorns in both teams’ season opener…
Onni Valakari scored the first home goal in San Diego FC history in the 69th minute for a 1-1 tie against the short-handed Columbus Crew on Saturday. With road wins…
NWSL roundup: Current open season with win over Thorns
Onni Valakari gets equalizer as San Diego FC tie Columbus Crew
Zack Steffen (12 saves), Rapids hold off Earthquakes
Canucks hand Blackhawks another road loss