If you’re a fan of the popular Netflix series ‘Stranger Things,’ you’ll understand the reference: the Chicago Blackhawks feel like they’re in the upside down.
What should have been minor issues are now major concerns. The Blackhawks aimed to be more consistent and competitive this season, yet after 18 games, they are failing to achieve either. Recently, a new topic emerged on November 18: a breakdown in communication.
The situation began when the Blackhawks opted to healthy scratch Taylor Hall for the game against the Vancouver Canucks on November 16. At first glance, this decision seemed perplexing, especially since Hall had only scored two goals and tallied six points over 17 games. Moreover, head coach Luke Richardson has proven to be more decisive with his healthy scratches, even when controversial. However, the rationale behind this particular decision was not as straightforward as expected. When questioned about being scratched, Hall expressed his surprise, stating, “I was taken aback. I didn’t realize I was even in that position. If there had been discussions about my performance or if I was regularly shown video, it would have made more sense, but I was quite surprised.”
Richardson later addressed the situation regarding Hall after practice. He acknowledged, “This might be part of my issue. Sometimes you give veterans a little more leeway. I know he’s been frustrated, and I don’t want that frustration to linger, so it seemed like a good time for him to take a step back. However, I need to connect with the player to understand how they prefer to handle such situations. We’ve spoken a lot, both during and after practices, but perhaps we need to communicate more beforehand. That’s something I’m learning about him. He had an excellent practice today, and my intention was for him to have a couple of days to reset, which I hope will help him.” He added, “He’s fully committed to improving for himself and the team, which is all a coach can ask for.”
Interactions between coaches and players can sometimes get lost in translation or, as seen in this case, are not communicated effectively, which is concerning for the Blackhawks.
When Richardson was appointed in 2022, one line from his statement stood out: “Clear communication, a plan, hard work, and execution will lead us to success.”
Now, two years later, it appears that plan has veered off course. While there are issues on the ice, the lack of off-ice communication is even more surprising. Given that effective communication was a priority for Richardson and that this incident involved Hall, a respected veteran in the team and the NHL, it raises eyebrows. Additionally, Richardson is known as a coach who values veterans, making the whole situation feel even more disconcerting.
