Full Breakdown
Blackhawks' Frustration with Officiating Peaks After Bedard's Penalty
11/22/2025, 7:49:32 PM
Key Incident in the Game Against the Kraken
In a tightly contested matchup on November 20, 2025, the Chicago Blackhawks suffered a 3-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken, a game that highlighted significant frustrations regarding officiating. The pivotal moment occurred late in the third period when Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. This penalty followed Bedard's vehement protest over a non-call on a slashing incident during his breakaway attempt, which he believed should have resulted in a penalty against Kraken defenceman Ryan Lindgren. The Kraken capitalized on the ensuing power play, with Jaden Schwartz scoring the game-winning goal just over two minutes later.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
Following the game, Bedard acknowledged his need to manage his emotions better, stating, “In the end, we’re professionals... I’ve got to have a better response there when that doesn’t go my way.” Despite his self-reflection, Bedard expressed frustration over the officiating, particularly regarding the non-call on Lindgren's actions that led to his penalty. Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill echoed these sentiments, criticizing both the missed call and the penalty assessed to Bedard. He remarked, “It better have been really, really, really personal if you’re not going to have enough thick skin to just keep playing through it.”
Broader Context of Officiating Concerns
The dissatisfaction with officiating extended beyond the Bedard incident. Earlier in the game, Andre Burakovsky suffered a high hit from Lindgren, which also went unpenalized. Burakovsky was forced to leave the game and was ruled out for the subsequent match against the Buffalo Sabres. Blashill pointed out that Burakovsky did not have possession of the puck at the time of the hit, emphasizing the inconsistency in officiating during the game. Bedard remarked on the pattern of unpenalized hits, stating, “It’s back-to-back games, guys going right to the head, and nothing really happens. I think that sucks.”
Official Statements & Responses
The Blackhawks' coaching staff and players have been vocal about their frustrations with the officiating in recent games. Blashill noted the importance of maintaining composure during critical moments, while Bedard called for better self-control in response to perceived injustices on the ice. The team’s overall performance remains strong, with a record of 10-6-4 through 20 games, and Bedard continues to lead with 13 goals and 29 points.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the end, we’re professionals, I’m a professional and I got to have a better response there when that doesn’t go my way,” — Connor Bedard, Forward, Chicago Blackhawks
- “So, if it was super personal, I wasn’t there. I don’t know, but it better have been really, really, really personal if you’re not going to have enough thick skin to just keep playing through it.” — Jeff Blashill, Head Coach, Chicago Blackhawks
- “It’s back-to-back games, guys going right to the head, and nothing really happens,” — Connor Bedard, Forward, Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks' ongoing concerns about officiating could have implications for their performance as they navigate the early playoff picture in the NHL.
