Blackhawks Coach Blashill Upset Over Bedard’s Penalty in Kraken Loss

Chicago, IL — Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill expressed frustration over Connor Bedard‘s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during a 3-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night.

In a tight game, the Blackhawks were tied 2-2 when Bedard took the penalty after arguing with officials. The 18-year-old rookie had a breakaway opportunity that was interrupted by Kraken player Ryan Lindgren. Although many believed a penalty should have been called on Lindgren, no whistle was blown, prompting Bedard to voice his displeasure.

“It’s a penalty… When you don’t have position on a guy, and you put your stick in there and you hit his glove — yes he got the stick after, but the first contact was on his glove — it’s a penalty,” Blashill said, advocating for Bedard. His remarks were reported by Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Blashill further lamented the situation, saying, “And then I don’t know what was said, but it better have been really personal to be that sensitive about it. Because you’re deciding games… It better have been really, really personal if you’re not going to have enough thick skin to just keep playing through it.”

The penalty resulted in a power play for Seattle, allowing Jaden Schwartz to score, giving the Kraken a 3-2 lead and ultimately the win. If Bedard’s breakaway had resulted in a penalty shot, it could have changed the game’s outcome.

Bedard finished the game with no points but had five shots on goal. He has scored 13 goals and provided 16 assists this season, ranking fourth in the NHL with 29 points. The Blackhawks are currently tied for third place in the Central Division.

Chicago will look to bounce back on Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres in New York.