Bedard fires back at media before Blackhawks vs Rangers puck drop Wednesday

Bedard, just 20 years old, didn't bite his tongue when reporters tried to frame Chicago's two-game skid. The Hawks had been outscored 13-1 over their last two games.

While we've seen Bedard's frustrations a lot recently, the young player continues to battle through their poor skid with some humor directed at the media.

Those numbers don't lie. But Bedard didn't dwell on them. Instead, he told the media:

Chicago is clearly tired of second chances and hollow optimism.

The Blackhawks still carry one of the youngest rosters in the league, and the losses have stung.

But Bedard's words signal a different tone tonight-one of defiance, maybe a spark within the Blackhawks lineup that was just shuffled around.

If nothing else, Bedard's comment reflects growing impatience with narrative and perception. It feels like a challenge-to the media, to the fans, maybe to the team itself. That attitude could rev up a group that badly needs a jolt. For a kid still only a couple years into his NHL journey, it's bold. But boldness can be contagious.

The Rangers also enter with a two-game skid, and while their road record is solid, the wheels can slide. For Chicago this isn't just about breaking a losing streak-it's about proving they're not a punchline after a bad couple of games. Maybe Bedard's jab at the media shows they're ready to scrap for respect again.

Win or lose, tonight's game will tell us how serious this Hawks group is.