Blackhawks Head Coach Reveals His Thoughts on If the Bedard Hit Was Dirty

During the first period of last night's Blackhawks-Devils game, Connor Bedard took one of the biggest hits he has received in his young NHL career. The hit was delivered by Brendan Smith and sent Bedard to the ice holding his face. Bedard went to the dressing room after the hit and didn't return.

The hit later led to Blackhawks veteran Nick Foligno to drop the gloves with Smith, as he clearly believed the hit was borderline enough that retribution was necessary.

A lot of debate on whether the hit was dirty happened on social media after the hit. Former NHLer Aaron Ward voiced his opinion on the matter, saying that the hit was clean, and Smith did everything right during the hit.

Even the Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson thought the hit was just an unfortunate series of events, and that Bedard was reaching for a puck which is why it looked so bad.

The NHL has a funny way of working. The hit wasn't that bad, but clearly, Bedard's teammates are going to step up for him no matter what, if its borderline or not. It is safe to say that the Chicago Blackhawks know they have to protect their future franchise player.

As seen on Blade of Steel - "Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach shares his thoughts on if Smith's check on Bedard was dirty"