Major Tensions Emerging Between Blackhawks Head Coach and Young Star
There will be plenty of growing pains for the Chicago Blackhawks as the young team gains experience over the next few years, and we're seeing some of them now as well. Case in point: head coach Luke Richardson and a potential star defenceman.
Young Star and Head Coach in Chicago Test Each Other's Patience
22-year-old Isaak Phillips is getting plenty of games and ice time with the Chicago Blackhawks right now, but it's not really because of his play. The Blackhawks have been hit by the injury big, and Richardson has little choice but to rely on inexperienced players right now. For his part, Phillips believes he's playing well.
"I think I'm proving myself every game, I can't control what they think or what anyone else thinks, but I can control how I feel and how I believe. And I think I've been solid and I can continue to get better."
While Richardson realizes Phillips has basically been thrown into the fire right now, he wants more consistency from him regardless.
"He's in a tough position right now because he's trying to earn that consistency and trust from the coaching staff. He's playing top minutes against teams' best players. It's hard to cultivate that while you go, and he's doing a fine job with it. But there's one or two times a game where he just bobbles a puck and it gets tangled up, and you can't do that on the ice with those guys."
"You can't be 50-50 in the NHL. You have to be close to 100% almost every night."
"You can't be 50-50 in the NHL. You have to be close to 100% almost every night."
Blackhawks Coach Luke Richardson Not Seeing Eye-to-eye with Young Defenceman
Due to injuries, Phillips will continue to play in the NHL a while yet, unless he gets hurt himself. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on who you're speaking to. The experience is invaluable for any young player. However, you hate to see someone with potential getting thrust into a role they aren't ready for. It can be a confidence killer.
| POLL | ||
DÉCEMBRE 27 | 106 ANSWERS Major Tensions Emerging Between Blackhawks Head Coach and Young Star Will Phillips stay in the NHL this year? | ||
| Yes | 33 | 31.1 % |
| No | 37 | 34.9 % |
| Not sure | 36 | 34 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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