Last Thursday’s game was a tough one to watch. One of the best teams in the NHL this year in the Avalanche came to the United Center, and very few onlookers expected the Blackhawks to come away with a win. Still, a 5-0 loss left many players frustrated, as they were clearly outmatched in the second and third periods.
No one was more frustrated than superstar rookie Connor Bedard, but for a different reason. After Colorado had made its lead comfortable, veteran defenseman Josh Manson began to single out the 18-year-old. Bedard was pushed around throughout the game, but the crescendo came when he was slashed across the hands, clearly with the intent to injure.
Sure, after Bedard recovered, he went to the official first. But when the referees don’t see a play like that, it’s up to Bedard’s teammates to make sure a player like Manson at least thinks twice before picking on Chicago’s best player.
Bedard has endured his fair share of hassling throughout this season but hasn’t gotten the backup from his team that a player of his level usually commands. We’ve already seen what this roster looks like without Bedard on the ice – it isn’t pretty. The Blackhawks can’t risk their star being injured, especially on a dirty play.
Tonight, though, Chicago has a unique opportunity for vengeance. The team is in Denver for a Monday night showdown with the Avs, so Bedard & Co. will see Manson on the ice. Sure, no one directly condones a bounty on a specific player, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he’s at the center of a big hit or a brawl this evening.
Tonight’s game is a great chance for Connor Bedard’s teammates to support their star. In order for opponents to think twice before going after Bedard, it’s important for the Blackhawks to come to his defense at every opportunity – like the one they have tonight.
But the Blackhawks don’t have a psycho enforcer who will take care of Bedard that is needed, and will be demanded as Bedard goes on in his own young career