It isn’t to be a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2025. A franchise in rebuild, the loss of key veterans like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, disappointing results… the list seems almost endless, doesn’t it? But if there’s one silver lining to be found, it’s Connor Bedard, the young hockey phenom who fans have pinned their hopes on. But as he continues to realize his potential, Bedard has suddenly found himself in the middle of some penalty trouble.

In the NHL, penalties are certainly a frequent occurrence, but how often do you hear of a player receiving a 10-minute penalty multiple times throughout their career? In hockey, 10 minutes can feel like an eternity. When Connor Bedard received his first 10- minute penalty that ended with the Hawks losing the game, he remarked, “I don’t think it was too crazy, but he’s the ref, so he gets to make that call. You don’t really expect that, but it happens.” In a swift move, Blackhawks coach Anders Sorensen came forward to back him, stating, “I’ve heard worse.” What was the reason behind that penalty?

During the third period of the game, the San Jose Sharks maintained their lead over the Hawks, bolstered by Tyler Toffoli’s early open net goal. With 9:10 remaining, Bedard received a 10-minute penalty for “abuse of officials,” resulting in his exclusion from the rest of the match. However, the young forward is probably feeling déjà vu after his latest experience against the Vancouver Canucks. Another 10-minute penalty? You guessed it!

On X, B/R Open Ice shared a video reporting, “Connor Bedard was assessed a 10-minute conduct for the second straight game, and threw his helmet in frustration 😳”  In a moment of clear frustration, he tossed his helmet aside as he made his way into the locker room. Emotions peak during hockey games, and given that he’s been penalized for 10 minutes for a second consecutive time, well, it’s no wonder he expressed his frustration this way.

However, on this occasion, the penalty was imposed for an entirely different reason. What exactly was that? It was labeled as “misconduct” in relation to Filip Hronek. However, he was not the sole casualty of this specific 10-minute penalty. Frank Nazar, Hronek, and Conor Garland also received similar penalties. Nonetheless, in the wake of Bedard’s display of frustration, the fans expressed their dissatisfaction with him.

Blackhawks fans are not defending Connor Bedard anymore

During the game against the San Jose Sharks, when Connor Bedard faced a comparable penalty, remarks such as “It’s a sport where punching somebody is a 5 minute penalty. Naughty words being 10 minutes is ridiculous,” were made. However, the story took a different turn this time, as one fan remarked, “What a baby.”

In a related sentiment, another supporter voiced their disappointment with the hockey forward, remarking, “Weak mental.” A striking comment stated, “Get him out of Chicago.” It hasn’t taken long at all for the tide to turn against Bedard.

Yet, with a change in perspective, one supporter wrote, “Bedard frustrations showing.” And well, it’s perhaps the most accurate take. Here is a young player, receiving two consecutive 10-minute penalties, the first of which barely seemed justified in the first place. It’s no surprise at all that Connor Bedard would react in such a manner.

One supporter expressed disappointment in Bedard, sarcastically writing, “Can’t even throw his helmet right.”  Ouch. It may not seem entirely fair, but sports fans are fickle, with short memories. The newest incident is what will always remain fresh in their minds.

But Connor Bedard is a young player, and while this current situation has clearly been frustrating, it is almost certainly just a blip. And with the fast-paced nature of hockey, this is just one in a long line of incidents that will be forgotten in no time by Blackhawks fans.