Blackhawks Connor Bedard gets bullied by Devils Simon Nemec

The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the New Jersey Devils tonight in a spirited match 5-3.

During the match tonight, the Blackhawks didn't show much spirit, as they let Simon Nemec bully Connor Bedard.

The only player who'd try and put an end to the uncalled penalty on Bedard was Landon Slaggert.

Nemec would "get his stick caught under Bedard", according to The Athletic's Scott Powers, but was grabbing Bedard by his jersey really necessary?

Landon Slaggert would step in late in the second period to police the ice where a retiring Pat Maroon would fail to do so.

As a result the referees would call a roughing penalty on Slaggert after he'd try and set Nemec straight, at 10:37 in the second period.

Like protection for Bedard that was absent, the Blackhawks were also unable to mount a comeback and put any pressure on a hot New Jersey Devils team, which included multiple point scorers.

Connor Bedard would come out of the game with a point (1 assist) and a bruised ego after the game.

While Pat Maroon would literally ragdoll Nemec, perhaps making another one of his teammates answer the bell would be the best answer.

Or is "the code" a thing of the past?

It's telling that Nemec doesn't believe in it.

Spencer Knight would save 15 of 19 shots, with 4 GAA, and a save percentage of .789 to end the night.

The Blackhawks can't protect Connor Bedard, and are now 21-42-9 for the year.