The Chicago Blackhawks had on different colors than usual on Friday. So did Nashville Predators assistant coach Luke Richardson, but for different reasons.
The road team came to Chicago and spoiled the Hawks’ black jersey return in their 4-3 win on Black Friday. They dealt the Hawks their fifth straight winless contest.
Richardson came into the United Center as the bad guy for the first time since his head coaching tenure with the Hawks ended. He said he’s enjoying his next step in Tennessee.
“We’ve had some really excellent games this year (but) a little bit frustrated not scoring enough to get more results at the end,” Richardson said. “It’s a good, resilient group that is sticking with it.”
He was hired as the Hawks coach on June 27, 2022, with the intention of leading a rebuild. It wasn’t expected to look great initially, but things got ugly in a hurry.
Richardson went 57-118-15 in his tenure with the team. Patrick Kane was traded, Jonathan Toews took a medical leave and the Stanley Cup-winning days felt like an eternity ago.
After an 8-16-2 start to his third season, he was relieved of his duties. The record may say one thing, but it wasn’t all bad for Richardson.
He should be credited for kickstarting the development of Connor Bedard, helping Jason Dickinson to a career year and his leadership style that resonated with his skaters. He’ll be a popular candidate for another head coaching job in the future.
If he does get that opportunity, Richardson said he would be thankful for that chance. His love for the Blackhawks won’t disappear, though.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of the Blackhawks organization,” Richardson said.
This offseason, current Hawks coach Jeff Blashill was hired in as the franchise’s 42nd head coach. The current losing streak doesn’t look good, but there has been a notable step forward during his tenure.
Richardson and Blashill didn’t reach out to each other after the hire, but the respect is mutual.
“Luke and I know each other from afar, but it’s not someone I’ve crossed paths with a lot,” Blashill said. “(I) certainly have respect for him as a coach and as a man from everything I’ve heard.”
Photos: Chicago Blackhawks lose 4-3 to the Nashville Predators at the United Center
“Yeah, same. I don’t really know him very much other than seeing him once or twice, but (he has a) great career coaching,” Richardson said. “You feel and take a lot of pride in helping the young players achieve their goals and making it to the next level. He took that to the next level in Detroit and his time with a great team in Tampa Bay.”
The rookie top draft pick fracturing his jaw didn’t help things for Richardson. But the coach saw that he’s a warrior, so it’s not a shock to him that Bedard is becoming a superstar.
“You saw a lot of signs of it,” Richardson said. “I think the injury the first year probably set him back a little bit, (but) he’s a determined young man (with) a great family background, which gives him a good, stable base.
“His drive and his talent, you’re seeing it on the ice this year. I don’t think anybody’s really surprised with it.”
Bedard had a fairly quiet night against the Predators, scoring no points in his 23:23 of ice time. He did have five shots on goal, an aggressive scoring pursuit Richardson is used to.
“He’s definitely going to be a long-time star in this league,” Richardson said. “It was definitely fun to be around him.
“He’s a good kid that just wants to win and you love that as a coach. That was a great experience for myself and I wish him all the best going forward.”