Fireable Offense: Luke Richardson's game management against the Philadelphia Flyers Could Have Him Fired

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Joshua Deeds
November 24, 2024 (2:02 PM)

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TheChicago Blackhawks looked to have a solid grasp on the lead early into the game today.

They would lead 2-0, over Matvei Michkov and the Flyers, until Sean Courturier would crack Mrazek in the third, leading a rally.

Noah Cates and Matvei Michkov would seal the deal with a 3-0 victory. MIchkov would clip the wings of Connor Bedard and a Hawks team that was absent Seth Jones.

The team would call up Louis Crevier from the Rockford IceHogs, and he wouldn't provide the kind of support needed. a -1 rating, with 2 blocks, 3 hits, and 17:27 TOI. Not a huge disappointment, but he was part of a defense that failed to live up to expectations.

As evidenced by Luke Richardson tonight:

The team was unable to enforce their will on the Philadelphia Flyers and make them play their game. So with a coach like John Tortorella who coaches an older, grittier style of hockey was outplayed on the ice, especially on defense tonight.

The Flyers had a 17-7 advantage in high danger chances in the game. This Philly team isn't much better than the Blackhawks, but their issues are on the defensive end; they can score. The Blackhawks are the polar opposite of the Flyers in that regard.

The Blackhawks were unable to limit the Flyers' chances in their zone, which led to Mrazek breaking under pressure tonight.

If it isn't one thing, it's something else and it seems that the Blackhawks' defense isn't as good as advertised. Even with Alec Martinez back on the ice,

Pat Maroon's comment says it all:

«We got the lead and just costly turnovers,» Maroon said. «They played a good game, they stuck with their structure. «We've got to be better. (It's) a 60-minute game, and unfortunately, we maybe played 20 of it.»

If Luke Richardson can't get a good 60-minute game out of either offense or defense, what does that say about his coaching style?

Has he lost the room?