Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard picked up a minor penalty for abuse of officials after arguing a non-call on a breakaway.
Late in a tied game, Bedard moved into the Seattle Kraken zone on a breakaway. He was pursued by defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who delivered a slash on Bedard’s stick that rode up and hit his gloves, breaking up Bedard’s scoring chance.
When referee Justin Kea’s arm did not go up to signal a penalty, Bedard voiced his disagreement with the non-call, yelling back and waving his stick towards Kea’s face while play continued.
The official appeared to initially let it go, but after Bedard turned back around, he made the call.
The penalty was called on the ice as unspostmanlike, but officially booked as Abuse of Officials (Rule 39):
A player, goalkeeper, Coach or non-playing person shall not challenge or dispute the rulings of an official before, during or after a game.
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be assessed under this rule for the following infractions:
(i) Any player who challenges or disputes the ruling of an official.
(ii) Any identifiable player who uses obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures directed at any on or off-ice official.
The Seattle Kraken took advantage of the ensuing power play, scoring to take a 3-2 lead.
Bedard – who refused to share exactly what he said to Kea – reflected on the moment after the game.
“Obviously in the moment you think it’s a penalty but I have to control my emotions in a better way,” he said. “I put our team in a vulnerable spot there, so just got to be better.”
The Chicago Blackhawks fell to the Seattle Kraken 3-2. Officials for the game were referees Justin Kea (#36) and Jean Hebert (#15), with C.J. Murray (#68) and Jonny Murray (#95) on lines.
