Luke Richardson’s Miscommunication With Blackhawks Star Can’t Happen

If you have seen the hit Netflix series, ‘Stranger Things,’  then you might get this reference: the Chicago Blackhawks are stuck in the upside down.

Things that were supposed to be non-issues are now issues. The Blackhawks were looking to be more consistent and competitive from last season, and 18 games into the season, they are showing neither. And now, a new story made headlines on Nov. 18: lack of communication.

It started when the Blackhawks decided to healthy scratch Taylor Hall against the Vancouver Canucks on Nov. 16. At first glance, that decision seem completely out there, considering Hall had only two goals and six points in 17 games. Furthermore, Richardson has been much more aggressive with his healthy scratch decisions, even if they are debatable. Where it gets interesting is that the decision wasn’t as cut and dry as it should have been. When asked about being a healthy scratch, Hall responded:

“I was surprised by it. It was unexpected from the standpoint of I just didn’t know I was even close to being in that spot, really. If there were some conversations in the days leading up about my game or if I was constantly being shown video it would be one thing, but I was a bit surprised.”

Richardson responded to the Hall situation after practice,

“That could be part of my problem, too. Sometimes, you give veterans a little bit more of a grace period. I know he’s been frustrated, and I don’t want the frustration to leak too long, so it was a good time for maybe a little setback. But for me to communicate with him, I need to get to know the player more to see how they like to handle that, and obviously we’ve talked a lot during and after, but maybe before, it needs to be more before. That’s just something that I learn about one player. But I think he had a great practice today, and you know, part of my thought process was to have a couple of days like this just to reset and go, and we hope it leads that way.”

Richardson continued, “He’s all in about being better for himself and for the team, and that’s all a coach can ask for.”

Things happen between coaches and players, and sometimes, they get lost in translation or, in this scenario, not communicated at all, which is not what you want to hear from the Blackhawks.

When Richardson was hired in 2022, one quote stood out from his statement: “Clear communication, a plan, hard work, and execution will lead us to that success.”

Two years later, it seems like that plan has taken a bit of a detour. The on-ice issues are one thing, but the off-ice communication is surprising. Considering that was a big deal for Richardson and the fact that it involved Hall, one of the respected veterans on the team and in the NHL, made it odd. Richardson is also known to be a veteran’s coach, making it even more upside down.

Overall, this should not have been a thing in the first place. Richardson put it on himself, and Hall seems to want to be better from the healthy scratch, too. Hall mentioned everyone is good and on the same page now, which is great. So, hopefully, this is a one-time thing.

In a rebuild, where everything is confusing, the team can’t afford to have communication not be there. Again, things happen, and it was likely in no way intentional. However, it was unfortunate press that the Blackhawks did not need on top of their current struggles of being in last place in the NHL.

For more Blackhawks News from Jim Lynch and Brooke LoFurno, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.

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