Connor Bedard leaves after Brendan Smith hit as Chicago Blackhawks lose 4-2 to New Jersey Devils

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) looks at New Jersey Devils goaltender Vitek Vanecek after a save by Vanecek during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard departed after he was leveled in the first period of a 4-2 loss to Simon Nemec and the New Jersey Devils on Friday night.

Bedard was hit by Devils defenseman Brendan Smith after the 18-year-old center carried the puck into Chicago’s offensive zone. Bedard then skated to the bench holding his face as Nick Foligno, Brett Seney and several teammates ignited a skirmish behind the Devils net.

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