Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach shares his thoughts on if Smith's check on Bedard was dirty

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Josh tupper
January 6, 2024 (9:15)

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Connor Bedard receives a check from Brendan Smith

Photo credit: A La Une

Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach Luke Richardson, shares his thoughts on whether Brendan Smith's check on Connor Bedard was dirty

In the first period of last night's game against the New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard was on the receiving end of a huge hit. As Bedard crossed the blueline, he weaved his way between a couple of Devils before running directly into the arm of Brendan Smith. The collision sent Bedard to the ice clutching his face.

Scrum ensues after Bedard gets leveled by Brendan Smith#NJDevils | #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/wNSj6pV5h2� HighlightHarbor (@HighlightHarbor) January 6, 2024

Bedard left the game and would not return. Since the hit occured they're has been plenty of debate as to whether the hit was clean or dirty with many people chiming in on the matter. Former NHLer Aaron Ward had this to say:

I don't know if it was dirty. I think Connor was reaching for a puck and didn't see him. I don't think he stepped up on him. I just think he kind of stopped and Connor ran headfirst right into him.

«I don't know if it was dirty. I think Connor was reaching for a puck and didn't see him. I don't think he stepped up on him. I just think he kind of stopped and Connor ran headfirst right into him.»

�Luke Richardson on Brendan Smith's hit on Connor Bedard pic.twitter.com/cebseJhOJp� Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) January 6, 2024

It's clear that unlike some fans, Richardson doesn't have any objections to the hit. While the Blackhawks on the ice still needed to send a message, it's clear that the Head Coach feels there is more for Bedard to learn. Hopefully for the league's sake, Bedard doesn't miss significant time.

Previously on Bladeofsteel

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Chicago Blackhawks Head coach provides the first update on Connor Bedard left the game due to huge hit

Connor Murphy's retaliation on Nico Hischier was BRUTAL

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6 JANVIER \| 839 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach shares his thoughts on if Smith's check on Bedard was dirty Was this hit clean or dirty?
Clean	724	86.3 %
Dirty	115	13.7 %
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