In a game that promised a clash between generational talents, Auston Matthews and Connor Bedard, the anticipated fireworks did not materialize. Instead, the Chicago Blackhawks stole the show with a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
Bedard ready for 1st matchup against Matthews, Maple Leafs in Toronto ⤵️https://t.co/qo6dEpYjPH
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) October 16, 2023
The hype leading up to the game was intense. Matthews, who had been lighting up the scoreboard with hat tricks in each of the Leafs’ first two games, was aiming to set an NHL record with hat tricks in three consecutive matches. On the other side, the 18-year-old phenom, Connor Bedard, tried his best to become the eighth player to notch points in his first four games at 18 or younger.
However, hockey, with its unpredictable nature, had other plans. Both Matthews and Bedard were kept off the scoresheet. Matthews recorded nine shots on goal, and Bedard recorded four shots on goal. Matthews went 11-9 in faceoffs, while Bedard went 4-9 in faceoffs, still showing he needs some work at the faceoff circle.
4-1 #Hawks win over the #Leafs and #Bedard didn’t get a single point. Neither did #Matthews. That didn’t go the way the NHL had planned, at all!!
— Matty-Perth-Sens (@Matty_In_Perth) October 17, 2023
Instead of the star forwards, it was Chicago’s Tyler Johnson, Corey Perry, MacKenzie Entwistle, and Taylor Raddysh who rose to the occasion, each finding the back of the net. For Toronto, Captain John Tavares was the lone goal-scorer, with a few other nice chances too.
The night’s standout was undoubtedly Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Soderblom. He had a spectacular performance, stopping 36 of 37 shots and boasting a remarkable .973 save percentage on the night. He showcased some of his best work in the dying minutes, the Maple Leafs goalie was pulled, but he made multiple key stops to ensure Chicago’s win.
While the anticipated showdown between Matthews and Bedard didn’t unfold as many had hoped, it did underscore the depth and unpredictability of the NHL. Chicago improved their record to 2-2 and has an impressive 9-4-1 in their last 14 visits to Toronto. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs, now sitting at 2-1, look ahead to their next challenge against the Florida Panthers on Thursday.
For now, the narrative remains unwritten, but one thing is certain: both players will be back in the spotlight soon enough, and the hockey world will be eagerly watching.
Watch the quick video game recap here on NHL.com.
Jamie is the founder of Hockey Response and he is the chief writer/ lead editor. Jamie has been playing hockey for over 20 years. He was the defenseman of the year in NL and has played Jr A level hockey. Jamie has coached several kids hockey camps and he was the assistant coach of the Western Kings.