Chicago Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson has juggled lines regularly since the season began. He used 37 different line combinations in 17 games. Richardson has accomplished that without ever moving Red Wings former player Tyler Bertuzzi.
Some members of Chicago media and ‘Hawks fans hopes that changes by placing Bertuzzi with Connor Bedard. They want Bertuzzi to elevate his game.
“Bertuzzi is one of the players who has never moved out of his second-line position since opening night, and maybe that is the one change that is needed,” Chicago Hockey Now’s Brooke LoFurno wrote. “Some fans have been expressing concerns about why Bertuzzi hasn’t been paired with Bedard, and I think there is a valid argument to be made.”
Bedard and Bertuzzi did play together in the preseason without much success. But perhaps they can build off that familiarity. Bertuzzi can score and offer a feisty playing style. That would seem to be two qualities you would want in a Bedard linemate.
With five goals, Bertuzzi is on a 23-goal pace. But fans want more from him. Maybe Bedard would bring the best out of him.
Luke Richardson will healthy scratch Taylor Hall but Tyler Bertuzzi can get away with shifts like this pic.twitter.com/NOBqgQFLLT
— Hunter Crowther (@HunterCrowther) November 17, 2024
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Goalie Jack Campbell was reinstated. Do the Red Wings have room for him now in their organization? The Red Wings put him on waivers Friday.
Detroit prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov is closing in on the KHL scoring lead. He’s enjoying a productive season in Russia.
The Grand Rapids Griffins (11-3-1) remain one of the AHL hottest teams. Detroit prospects are leading the way as the Griffins sit with a five-game winning streak.
Red Wings Extra
The San Jose Sharks’ 5-10-1 record suggests they are struggling as much as last season. But they’ve been more competitive over the past three weeks. Since Oct. 28, the Sharks are 5-3-2. Meanwhile, the Red Wings are 3-6-1 over the past 10. Two of the Sharks’ recent wins have come against division leader New Jersey, plus the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings were much better than Detroit on Saturday.
Hockey Now Network
Boston: The Bruins, 2-2-2 in their last six games, would like to make a trade. But they don’t have any cap room. Their best option would be a player-for-player swap. The players would have similar salaries. The Bruins could be looking for a player to replace Hampus Lindholm. Boston Bruins.
Florida Panthers: The defending Stanley Cup champions reminded the Winnipeg Jets that great start doesn’t necessarily mean you are close to a championship. Florida Panthers.
Pittsburgh: Prospect Owen Pickering makes his NHL debut. Dan Kingerski weighs in on this big defenseman’s long-term potential. Pittsburgh Penguins.
San Jose: Believe it or not, Draymond Green complares Macklin Celebrini to LeBron James. San Jose Sharks.
