Fantucchio’s Focus: Bedard Scores First Goal; Matthews Saves Leafs On Night One

Good morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Thursday, October 12 and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Bedard Scores First Goal as Bruins Beat Blackhawks:

Connor Bedard scored his first his first NHL goal last night in Boston. With a clean entry into the offensive zone, the Blackhawks’ rookie phenom picked up his own rebound behind the goal and tucked the puck past Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark on a wrap-around to give Chicago a 1-0 lead in the first period.

CONNOR BEDARD WITH HIS FIRST NHL GOAL 🥳🚨 pic.twitter.com/pQeHIDx7WO

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 11, 2023

Bedard’s score was the lone one for Chicago, as Boston kicked off its centennial season with a 3-1 win behind two goals from David Pastrnak.

Bruins Postgame: Pasta Served For Legends; Bruins Win 3-1

Matthews Hits Another Milestone:

While Bedard has looked good in his first couple of games for Chicago, his debut hasn’t matched the start Auston Matthews had to his career, scoring a hat trick in his first NHL game back in 2016.

Matthews recreated that moment last night by potting his seventh career hat trick to hit and then surpass the 300 career goal mark in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ victory over Montreal.

MATTY HATTY!! 🧢
MATTY HATTY!! 🧢
MATTY HATTY!! 🧢 pic.twitter.com/GddeaeypNr

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 12, 2023

Sabres Keep Power On:

The day after locking up one of their young stud defensemen for the long term, the Buffalo Sabres repeated that process on Wednesday by signing Owen Power to a seven-year contract extension worth $8.35 million per season.

OP’S IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL‼️

We have signed defenseman Owen Power to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $8.35 million.

Details: https://t.co/Mp4jy4QOi1 pic.twitter.com/PnEDOucaal

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 11, 2023

Ruff Remaining In Jersey:

This offseason, the New Jersey Devils focused on solidifying their young core. On the day before their first game of the year, they did the same with their head coach by signing Lindy Ruff to a multi-year contract extension.

Devils Sign Head Coach Lindy Ruff to Multi-Year Extension

Scoreboard:

Bruins: 3, Blackhawks: 1

Hurricanes: 5, Senators: 3

Maple Leafs: 6, Canadiens 5 (SO)

Flames: 5, Jets: 3

Avalanche: 5, Kings: 2

Canucks: 8, Oilers: 1

Schedule:

All Times EST

New York Rangers vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.

Detroit Red Wings vs. New Jersey Devils, 7:30 p.m.

St.Louis Blues vs. Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.

Florida Panthers vs. Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m.

Seattle Kraken vs. Nashville Predators, 8 p.m.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m.

More From National Hockey Now:

Carolina: Hurricanes persevere to win first game of season.

Pittsburgh: Will closing out games continue to be a problem for the Penguins?

Washington: The Capitals have put the final touches on their opening night roster.

Philadelphia: Flyers forward Scott Laughton is against the NHL being against Pride Tape.

Florida: A Panthers prospect’s not-so-long journey back to the NHL.

Detroit: Everyone wants a fast start to the new season, but that can sometimes be misleading.

Montreal: Youth and newcomers shine despite Canadiens losing.

Colorado: Go inside the Avalanche locker room following their opening night victory over the Kings.

San Jose: Hear five bold predictions for the Sharks this year in the latest episode of the SJHN podcast.

Follow Andrew Fantucchio on 𝕏: @A_Fantucchio

Follow NYI Hockey Now on 𝕏 and Facebook