![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ctc-l-hawks-sharks-0202-14.jpg\")
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard scores a goal past San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov during the first period at the United Center on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\nThe Chicago Blackhawks had faced each team in the NHL going into Monday night except one: the San Jose Sharks.<\/p>\n
That changed at the United Center as two young Canadian stars, Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, squared off for the first time this season.<\/p>\n
\u201c(Bedard\u2019s) a good friend and (we) grew up in the same area,\u201d Celebrini said. \u201cWe like battling, and I don\u2019t think either of us compare each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
No need to compare \u2026 but what\u2019s wrong with a little fun? Bedard\u2019s Hawks drew first blood against Celebrini\u2019s Sharks on Monday.<\/p>\n
The Hawks (22-25-9) defeated the Sharks 6-3 in the final home game before the NHL Olympic freeze. It was an urgent win for the home team, which snapped a five-game losing streak.<\/p>\n
Bedard struck first on the power play at the 7-minute mark in the first period. The 20-year-old has scored a goal in three straight games and has five points in his last four, so he\u2019s finding his rhythm before the break.<\/p>\n
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard scores a goal past San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov during the first period at the United Center on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n
Celebrini, who will skate for Team Canada at the Milano Cortina Olympics, treated the spectators with a goal of his own at 15:11 in the second period. It was his 28th goal of the season, continuing an unreal sophomore campaign for the 19-year-old.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re both focused on the right things and he handles himself very well,\u201d Bedard said pregame of Celebrini, a fellow No. 1 draft pick. \u201cHe\u2019s worried about his game and helping his team win, not thinking about the extracurricular stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
There will be plenty of matchups for the pair in the future. Safe to say the league\u2019s in good hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been following what he\u2019s doing this year, but to play against it live, he does a lot of the little things really well and his skill is obviously top tier,\u201d Jason Dickinson said about Celebrini. \u201cA guy that battles that hard and has the skill to match it, he\u2019s going to be \u2014 and is \u2014 a very special player.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Sharks were focused on Bedard, but maybe they should have been on the four other Hawks who sent the puck into the net. It was a dream match for hockey fans, but a nightmare for the San Jose goaltenders.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a coach, you\u2019d love to win 3-1 and all that stuff, but to score six matters,\u201d Hawks coach Jeff Blashill said. \u201cGuys feel better about themselves when that happens and I know how important confidence is.\u201d<\/p>\n
With Monday\u2019s goal, Bedard now tops the Hawks\u2019 under-age-21 point leaderboards. His 181 points (and counting, until his July birthday) passed Eddie Olczyk (180).<\/p>\n
![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ctc-l-hawks-sharks-0202-41.jpg\")
Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n