Connor Bedard goes head over heals after a massive hip check from Neal Pionk

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Graham Montgomery
October 11, 2024 (11:03 PM)

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Chicago Blackhawks star center Connor Bedard was on the receiving end of a massive hit tonight as the team takes on the Winnipeg Jets on the road.

The play came as Bedard was carrying the puck into the Jets zone. The Hawks were struggling to create any offense in the first period, so the 19-year-old was attempting to make something work himself. Unfortunately, this resulted in him taking a huge hit from Jets defenseman Neal Pionk, who laid him out with an old-school hip check.

Luckily, Bedard seemed no worse for wear as he quickly got back to his feet and rejoined the play. Furthermore, he did not appear to miss any shifts in the game as he continued to go out for his regular ice time, looking for the game-opening goal. That being said, some players on the Blackhawks did not take too kindly to the play. Most notably, Pat Maroon was barking at Pionk and the rest of the Jets following the play, possibly hinting at tensions escalating later in this one.

Maroon did take a minor penalty just a few moments later, but it appeared to be unrelated as he just happened to catch Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg with an unintentional high stick. However, the Jets did not capitalize on the ensuing power play.

The game remains tied at 0 going into the second period. Be sure to tune in to see how the rest of this one plays out and whether or not we will see more physical play in response to the hit on the 2023 1st overall pick.