Nick Foligno takes subtle jab at head coach Luke Richardson

PUBLICATION

Finnegan Frost
November 12, 2024 (4:55 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Chicago Blackhawks are still trying to find the right balance of consistency this season, but the team seems to be trending in the right direction.

Despite their thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday, head coach Luke Richardson has been struggling to put together a consist lineup regarding the Hawks top line.

The constant revolving door of depth players undergoing "tryout's" on the top line is clearly weighing heavily on superstar Connor Bedard.

Although Bedard has notched 13 points in 16 regular season games so far, Bedard has yet to tap into his full offensive potential -- and captain Nick Foligno partially points to coaching as the underlying problem.

"It's partly on the player and partly on the coaches to get you to find a rhythm...,'' Foligno said. As much as you want to see [Bedard] get with consistent [linemates], we've got to get on a roll as a team. Usually, that breeds more consistency and more chemistry with your linemates."
-Nick Foligno

Although Nick Foligno's comments don't explicitly point the finger at head coach Luke Richardson, it's evident that changes are needed to find the right level of consistency for Connor Bedard.

Nick Foligno has also been affected by Luke Richardson's constant line shuffling, frequently moving between the first and third lines, and frustration is clearly starting to show.

Looking ahead to the Blackhawks matchup against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, it will be interesting to see if Richardson stay's put with the same lineup that found success against the Minnesota Wild.

On a side note, defenseman Alec Martinez looks to be returning to the lineup after being sidelined with a groin injury early in the season.

Fans can anticipate and different look on Thursday concerning the Blackhawks back-end.