Foligno criticizes Bedard and young Hawks as immature and Ignorant

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James Connelly
January 1, 2024 (10:26)

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Nick Foligno has begun to have a bone to pick with the Blackhawks youngsters after they have not been properly prepared for their games.

Foligno Calls Out Bedard And The Other Youngsters

In an interview late last night, Chicago Blackhawks veteran forward Nick Foligno had a lot to say about their recent struggles. He went on to reveal how he believes the Blackhawks have not been properly prepared for their games largely due to not taking rest and recovery seriously enough.

Nick Foligno had a *lot* to say after that one. Said the Blackhawks are teetering on the line between "immaturity and ignorance" when it comes to their readiness to play.

»There has to be a sense of urgency. And a respect factor in the league. Just becoming professionals. That's the fight we're going to have. We understand where we're at and where we're trying to get to, but we need commitment at that part of it, where every day you're preparing, your consistency in how you prepare, your ability to understand the team you're playing, what you need to do to get yourself ready. That's not on coaches. They've done a hell of a job giving us a game plan and what we need to do and the time off that we need to rest and recover. That's on us. And that's the thing that drives me nuts as one of the older guys in the room. We need to figure that out soon. That to me is immaturity or ignorance. It borderlines a little bit. I don't want it to bleed into ignorance - 'Oh, we're young, or this.' That's excuses to me. And that's not a team we're going to be built on. We owe it to ourselves and to our fans to be a better version and every game we have to strive for that.»

Foligno is clearly calling out the youngsters for overworking themselves and not dedicating their all to recovering after games and practices.

Connor Bedard's Infamous Lack Of Rest

One thing that was well-known about Connor Bedard before he was drafted was his incredible work ethic and desire to be on the ice at all times. There are many photographs of Bedard being on the ice for long periods after practice.

With Bedard and the other youngsters spending this extra time on the ice, they are overworking themselves and risking injury. Worst of all, they are not properly prepared for their games and come out sluggish which leads to 8-1 losses.