Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard Becomes Youngest to Reach NHL Milestone Since 1944

Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard turned in the best game of his young NHL career on Thursday evening as Chicago took down the Lightning, 5–3.

Bedard registered four points, including three in the first period, scoring two goals and providing a pair of assists in the Blackhawks’ win. It was Bedard’s first-ever four-point performance, and he became the third-youngest player in NHL history to record four points in a game. 

Bedard, who is 18 years and 115 days old, is the youngest player with a four-point game since Armand “Bep” Guidolin did it all the way back in 1944 as a member of Bruins, according to Christopher Kamka of NBC Sports Chicago. 

Guidolin was 18 years and 58 days old when he achieved the feat on Feb. 5, 1944. Ted Kennedy of the Maple Leafs is the youngest in NHL history with four points in a game, which he achieved in January of 1944, less than a month before Guidolin’s historic night.

Bedard’s idol, Sidney Crosby, was the fifth youngest player all-time to record four points in a game, having done it at the age of 18 years and 171 days back in 2006, per Kamka. 

His teammates awarded him with a big puck chain after the win, celebrating his dominant night. Former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall could be seen in the locker room placing the massive gold chain around Bedard’s neck. 

Bedard skated 17:55 on the ice on Thursday night, registering five shots on goal to go with his two goals and assists. He’s now up to seven goals and 11 points through his first 12 games in the NHL, averaging nearly one point per game.

With a four-point game under his belt, the first in 79 years, Bedard will look to stay hot on Sunday, Nov. 12 when Chicago takes on the Panthers.