All eyes on Canada's Bedard in quarterfinal matchup against Slovakia at men's world juniors
Connor Bedard wasn't aware of the tweet.
A genius with the puck capable of making opponents look foolish at any moment, the supremely gifted 17-year-old is singularly focused on the world junior hockey championship.
He's also on the verge of rewriting Canada's record book at the event.
And one of the game's greats Bedard just equalled has taken note.
"Don't just break the record," Eric Lindros posted to social media Sunday. "Smash it!"
Happy New Year! Don’t just break the record Connor Bedard, smash it! Win the tournament. Go Canada! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a>
Bedard tied the Hall of Fame centre's mark of 31 career points at the men's under-20 event with 18 over just four games in a jaw-dropping display of speed, skill and creativity.
The North Vancouver, B.C., native got there in just 13 contests compared to the 21 it took the player known as the "Big E" during his dominant playing days.
WATCH | Bedard continues to impress:
"Pretty cool he even knows who I am," Bedard said with a grin after learning of the tweet. "That's awesome to hear that. Him wanting me to beat it is cool.
"A few more games, so hopefully I can."
That quest continues Monday when the tournament hosts face Slovakia in a quarterfinal matchup at Scotiabank Centre.
Bedard not now only sits next to Lindros, he's also tied Jordan Eberle for the most all-time goals at the world juniors by a Canadian with 14.
WATCH | Bedard dominates against Austria:
The list doesn't stop there.
The presumptive top pick at the 2023 NHL draft has equalled Dale McCourt and Brayden Schenn for the most points by a Canadian in a single tournament.
"Amazing to play with," Canadian defenceman Ethan del Mastro
