Left out for Saturday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks forward Taylor Hall was the first to be surprised.
The former first overall pick and Hart Trophy winner criticized head coach Luke Richardson’s decision Monday, citing a lack of communication. The 33-year-old veteran knew he was struggling, but not to the point where he had to skip his turn.
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“If there were conversations in the days leading up to the game or if I was constantly shown video, that would have been one thing. I was a little surprised,” Hall said at a press conference.
With six points to his record in 17 games and a differential of -5, the left winger doesn’t give enough to Richardson’s liking. The former assistant coach of the Montreal Canadiens is at peace with his decision.
“Sometimes you give veterans a little longer grace period and I know he was frustrated,” he admitted. “I don’t want him to feel this frustration for too long, so it was a good time for a little step back.”
On the same wavelength
Hall will return to his position on Tuesday when the Blackhawks host the Anaheim Ducks. Still having the decision in his throat, he nevertheless accepts it with humility.
«[Richardson] thought it was better for me to take a break, so that’s what I did,” he said. “There are some things in my game that need improvement and Luke and the coaching staff just want me to do better.”
No doubt, this incident should allow Hall and Richardson to find themselves on the same wavelength. The head coach also recognizes that his management of the decision was not the best.
“In my discussions with him I have to get to know the player more to understand how he wants to deal with this. We talked a lot during and after, but maybe it would have taken more [de communication] before,” Richardson admitted.
