The game that featured Sydney Crosby and Connor Bedard—Bedard’s first NHL game ever—was the subject of much discussion. Ironically, Connor Bedard’s first game back from a broken jaw also came against Crosby and the Penguins. Since they were young, every franchise star has been at the forefront of hockey experts’ awareness and appreciation, but may their careers also parallel one another?
Following a lockout season, the league had to modify its standard draft lottery system (a weighted lottery system based on playoff appearances in the previous three seasons 2002-2004) to determine which team would draft the young star from Halifax. This is how Sydney Crosby entered the league during what can only be referred to as “the Sydney Crosby draft.”
Even though Crosby was under 6 feet tall, he was bound to light up the NHL scoreboard from the start. The only question was whether he would match all those “stats” with “wins”? After three Stanley Cups and more than 1500 points, Crosby is already assured of a Hall of Fame career. Will Connor Bedard experience any of this kind of pretentious praise while he’s skating? Let’s examine the potential outcomes.
With almost 100 points in the 2005–06 season, Crosby proved to be even more impressive than expected for a rookie. But the team’s performance did not match the play of the newest superstar in the city. The Penguins, who had only 22 victories this season, were frequently featured on highlight reels because to their poor defensive play and Sidney Crosby’s awards. Do you recognize this?
However, as was previously mentioned, Crosby and the Penguins have improved since his inaugural season thanks to astute financial management and crucial selections made in the rounds immediately after Sydney Crosby was chosen. Since his first year, there hasn’t been a losing season (note that this season is the lowest point percentage year of Crosby’s career since year 1). Is it possible that Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks are on the same timeline?
Thanks to Kyle Davidson’s transactions, the Blackhawks will have 14 selections in the top 2 rounds over the next three drafts, thus opportunities abound. With Connor Bedard at the center, the Blackhawks should experience a significant roster turnover as a result of that asset management, which should lead to a swift turnaround in the team’s precarious win-loss record.
So once more, the issue is: Will team success and individual statistical achievement be combined as early as year two for this young Canadian sub-6 foot center who has received praise from everyone since he was a teenager? It remains to be seen, but the elements are in place, and the answer is now simply a matter of time.
Note: With the conclusion of their season series, the Penguins and Blackhawks are currently eliminated from the postseason picture.
