Connor Bedard warming up for a Chicago Blackhawks home game
Photo credit: Sportsnet

Connor Bedard Called Out By Veteran Teammate

Published January 1, 2024 at 11:24
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Connor Bedard and other Chicago Blackhawks young players were called out by veteran Nick Foligno after an embarrassing loss against the Dallas Stars.

Chicago Blackhawks Blown Out 8-1 By The Dallas Stars



Last night was tough for the Chicago Blackhawks as they faced the Dallas Stars, losing 8-1.




None of the Blackhawks players ended with a positive +/-, and four, including Connor Bedard, had a -3 or worse. The defensive issues were apparent, leading alternate captain Nick Foligno to address a concerning issue.

Foligno Calls Out Bedard And Others



After the game, Nick Foligno openly criticized some young players, likely including Connor Bedard, for not taking care of themselves on rest days and overworking.


Nick Foligno had a *lot* to say after that one. Said the Blackhawks are teetering on the line between "immaturity and ignorance" when it comes to their readiness to play.


»There has to be a sense of urgency. And a respect factor in the league. Just becoming professionals. That's the fight we're going to have. We understand where we're at and where we're trying to get to, but we need commitment at that part of it, where every day you're preparing, your consistency in how you prepare, your ability to understand the team you're playing, what you need to do to get yourself ready. That's not on coaches. They've done a hell of a job giving us a game plan and what we need to do and the time off that we need to rest and recover. That's on us. And that's the thing that drives me nuts as one of the older guys in the room. We need to figure that out soon. That to me is immaturity or ignorance. It borderlines a little bit. I don't want it to bleed into ignorance - 'Oh, we're young, or this.' That's excuses to me. And that's not a team we're going to be built on. We owe it to ourselves and to our fans to be a better version and every game we have to strive for that.»

Foligno's remarks suggest fatigue and overwork might be causing the team's struggles. The Blackhawks need to address these issues before facing more serious consequences than a blowout loss like an injury.

As seen on Hockey Patrol - Foligno Throws Bedard And Other Blackhawks Youngsters Under the Bus: Calls Them Immature and Ignorant
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Connor Bedard Called Out By Veteran Teammate

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