Was Connor Bedard getting a 10-minute game misconduct really called for?

Connor Bedard's frustration boiled over during the Chicago Blackhawks' game against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday when he was assessed a 10-minute game misconduct penalty by referee Chris Rooney with 10:50 remaining in the third period.

He did not return until the final 50 seconds of regulation.

Breaking Down the Incident

The sequence began when Bedard carried the puck into the offensive zone off a pass from Frank Nazar and was tripped by Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro. No penalty was called on the play.

As Bedard returned to the bench, he exchanged words with Rooney. It was unclear what was said, but Rooney thought of what Bedard said was vulgar or offensive.

Moments later, Bedard was seen spitting on the bench--not in Rooney's direction. A few seconds after that, Connor Bedard was escorted to the penalty box and assessed a 10-minute game misconduct.

Was the Penalty Called For?

According to NHL Rule 39.5, a game misconduct for "abuse of officials" is meant for situations where a player "uses obscene, profane or abusive language or gesture directed at any on or off-ice official or uses the name of any official coupled with any vociferous remarks, after already being assessed a bench minor penalty."

The key part of this rule is that a game misconduct should only be "assessed after a bench minor penalty" has been given. In Bedard's case, no minor penalty was called, raising questions about the ruling.

Bedard has shown frustration before in past games when calls have not gone his way. If Rooney believed Bedard crossed the line, a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct should have been the call. However, no minor penalty was called before the game misconduct, which does not align with NHL rule 39.5.

As for the spitting, there was no indication it was directed at Rooney. Players sometimes spit on the bench during games, but it could've been a reason of why the game misconduct was called.

Bedard's Response

After the game, Bedard addressed the penalty. "I didn't think what I said was too crazy," he said. "But obviously, he's the ref, so he gets to make that call. So you've got to live with it."

The 19-year-old added that he had to be "smart with his words," showing the importance of maintaining composure when interacting with the officials.

Takeaways

Overall, the call was questionable but the officials upheld their decisions, and made the right call, despite the Blackhawks' fans opinions.

This might also serve as a learning experience for Connor Bedard to staying composed and focus on the game than having heated interactions with officials.