Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson admits to concerns about Connor Bedard being mishandled in Chicago

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Sam Walker
November 22, 2024 (1:39 PM)

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Chicago Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson makes his feelings quite clear on Connor Bedard's line combining for zero shots on goal vs Panthers on Thursday

Connor Bedard and linemates Jason Dickinson, Joey Anderson, all combined for a whopping zero shots on goal in Thursday night's Blackhawks win against the Florida Panthers.

The Blackhawks won the game 3-1, in a big surprise.

However, Richardson took note of Bedard's effort on the ice and how he handled his defensive responsibilities.

"We didn't get him here to be a defensive specialist, but the responsibility of playing against good lines comes first. ... He did everything right on the defensive side."

It seems as though Richardson didn't want Bedard to have offensive opportunities, according to a fan who made a very solid point that i agree with, Bedard's line was mismatched all night.

Luke Richardson has a very clear emphasis on defense. It ofc makes sense when protecting a lead, but Bedard's line is constantly matched against Barkov despite last change.

Alongside Bedard's line being used strictly as a 'shutdown' line, Petr Mrazek, in goal, had quite the performance making 32-saves.

A new post-win reward item was handed out by captain Nick Foligno, to Mrazek as the teams' MVP of the game.

Yeah, it was really good,» said Richardson via NHL .com. «I think we've done well against some of the top teams, and obviously this is the top team, and they don't let up."

"From the first shift it was pressure, even at the start of the second [they] put us under some pressure, but Petr was excellent to give us a chance to break out of those pressure points. I thought special teams were great, and that was the difference,"

Richardson then added.

With one minute left in the third period, Nick Foligno settled everyone's feelings with a empty net goal after a mishap by Panthers' Carter Verhaeghe.

The Blackhawks next game is Saturday at 1:00PM in Philadelphia against the Flyers.

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