The second game of the NHL's season-opening slate will bear a familiar storyline of an idol turning into a rival.
Connor Bedard, the No. 1 pick in this year's NHL draft, makes his start for the Chicago Blackhawks against his favorite player, Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby.
The 18-year-old forward was born less than two weeks before Crosby was selected first overall by Pittsburgh in the 2005 NHL draft. The two met at the NHL player media tour in September.
"Of course, my childhood idol in the hockey world and [Crosby] is such a good, genuine guy," Bedard told NHL.