Connor Bedard’s thoughtful, melancholy reaction to his…

Connor Bedard’s thoughtful, melancholy reaction to his first NHL game isn’t what you’d expect

When all is said and done, it likely won’t be long before Connor Bedard becomes one of the faces of the NHL. The much-hyped No. 1 overall pick is expected to follow in the footsteps of other impeccably talented centers like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. Eventually, he should revitalize his Chicago Blackhawks back to contending prominence.

But on Tuesday, during Bedard’s NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the rookie phenom was purely centered on the emotions of playing his first-ever professional hockey game. Even when the Blackhawks ended up winning 4-2 — led by a sterling individual performance from Bedard — he didn’t seem all that enthused about having the debut behind him and looking forward to what’s next.

At the very least, instead of celebrating, Bedard actually seemed kind of sad that his first game was in the rearview mirror:

Connor Bedard on having his first game behind him: "It's a moment you think of all your life and now it's already done. That part's kinda sad."

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) October 11, 2023

Yeah, that is … not the reaction I’d expected from someone many expect to run roughshod on the NHL scene for years. But I do find it relatable. Who among us hasn’t built up an important moment in our lives for a long time only to find that reality doesn’t end up matching the vision in our head? It happens all the time. It’s part of the human experience. Getting too excited in advance or not having enough of our dreams is just a part of life.

I have little doubt Bedard won’t feel similarly once he starts racking up various vital milestones, like his first point and first goal, because they won’t stop coming. And that’s life, too.

This is how Twitter reacted

I love that the city's new sports superstar is a melancholic British Columbian. "Aye, 'tis sweet to drink from the cup of victory. But may thee always lament the empty vessel that remains." https://t.co/kso12QEwmd

— rick (@toews191919) October 11, 2023

Connor's dad Tom always told him, don't wish time away. The kid lives in the moment. https://t.co/XUJPjIzHBL

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) October 11, 2023

welcome to life pal https://t.co/RCThj8SdXz

— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) October 11, 2023

Oh to be 18 and coping with mortality again https://t.co/sikzipm7QH

— a little bi-furious (@dackzeplewski) October 11, 2023

I love this answer. That's pretty reflective for such a young player. https://t.co/T47kE0k0AE

— Eric Willuweit (@eswillow72) October 11, 2023

https://t.co/0GRTKKNKX1 pic.twitter.com/u27RT4pRh4

— Deb (@deb_or_ah_m) October 11, 2023

We need to protect Bedard at all costs. He's a precious nugget and I love him already. #Blackhawks https://t.co/Fj2xuuOYYk

— Amy (@AmyWantsHockey) October 11, 2023