SALT LAKE CITY - Connor Bedard had a night to remember against the Utah Mammoth, and not just for his on-ice heroics. After setting up Tyler Bertuzzi with a pinpoint pass for a crucial equalizer early in the third period, Bedard didn’t celebrate in the usual fashion. Instead, he locked eyes with a Utah fan who had been heckling him all game.
That fan, McClain Lindquist, works in the funeral business, which was fitting given the icy stare he received. Lindquist had been taunting Bedard, repeatedly telling him that “Logan Cooley was his daddy.” Positioned right by the glass, Bedard heard it all and made sure to return the favor after his assist.
“It was awesome,” Lindquist admitted, appreciating the moment. “Good for him. I thought it was great.”
As if on cue, Frank Nazar scored the go-ahead goal shortly after, but Bedard didn’t engage Lindquist again. Instead, he saved his intensity for the game-winner.
In overtime, Bedard capitalized on an Alex Vlasic rebound to clinch the victory for Chicago, marking their fourth win against the Mammoth this season. Once again, he sought out the fans, delivering another stare - this time from the opposite end of the rink.
Bedard’s feisty demeanor wasn’t limited to his interactions with fans. He tangled with MacKenzie Weegar near the Utah crease, even knocking him down with a solid hit later in the game. This matchup marked the third meeting between the teams in 12 days, and tensions were high.
The Blackhawks enjoyed Bedard’s spirited play. “I’m trying to go celebrate with him, and I see him looking into the crowd,” Bertuzzi said, chuckling.
Bedard downplayed the confrontations, saying, “It just gets you going a bit. It’s fun playing on the road.
Especially when you win. It (gets) pretty quiet.”
He also shrugged off his wrestling match with Weegar. “I was just tired, and I didn’t want him to beat me up the ice,” Bedard explained. “I was trying to work smart, not hard.”
But Bedard wasn’t the only Blackhawk making an impact. Frank Nazar continued his hot streak with a goal and an assist, extending his point streak to five games.
Bedard praised his teammate, noting Nazar’s consistent play even when he wasn’t scoring. “He’s so important to our team and such a great player,” Bedard said.
“He’s fun to watch and means so much to our group.”
With frequent matchups, the rivalry between these teams is heating up. Monday’s game at the United Center was particularly intense, with scuffles at nearly every whistle. While Thursday’s game was calmer, Bedard’s competitive fire was evident.
“Listen, he’s got what all the great players have, and that’s a high, high level of compete,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “Good for him. He’s a very competitive person.”
As the Blackhawks continue their strong season, Bedard’s passion and skill are proving to be a potent combination, much to the delight of Chicago fans - and perhaps the chagrin of one Utah fan.