Connor Bedard slams stick in frustration with Blackhawks in Corey Perry turmoil

Connor Bedard is living up to the hype. The Blackhawks still have a ways to go.

Bedard slammed his stick against the boards in frustration after an unsuccessful power play in the second period of the Blackhawks’ 5-1 loss to the Red Wings on Thursday night.

Bedard, according to the Associated Press, punched the back of the boards in frustration in the third period after a wrist shot was saved by Detroit goalie Alex Lyon.

“When he gets to the bench he gets a little frustrated, but he seems to be pretty composed when he goes back for the next shift,” Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said of the 18-year-old Bedard, who was the first pick of the 2023 NHL Draft.

“I’m fine with passion as long as it’s not disrupting the team, and yourself.”

Bedard did set up the team’s only goal of the game with an assist to Lukas Reichel that gave him a team-high 18 points.

The Blackhawks, though, now have 14 points through 21 games, the second-lowest total in hockey ahead of only the Sharks.

And the disappointment does not end there.

The team has been in turmoil for the past week as veteran Corey Perry was kept away from the team and a torrent of rumors followed as to the reason why.

Perry’s contract was officially terminated Tuesday and he released a statement Thursday, denying the salacious rumors that were floating around social media and acknowledging that he is seeking help for alcohol issues.

Perry was reportedly involved in an “alcohol-fueled” incident at a team event.

“As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumors. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that in no way did this situation involve any of my teammates or their families,” Perry said in a statement.

“Most importantly, I want to directly apologize to those who have been negatively affected and I am sorry for the additional impact to others it has created. My behavior was inappropriate and wrong.”