Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks showed glimpses of hope, but were unable to deliver a win during Jeff Blashill’s debut. Following the loss to the Florida Panthers in the 2025-26 NHL season opener, the new bench boss in the Windy City voiced a firm message.

Beating the Panthers on the night their second Stanley Cup banner headed to the rafters was never going to be easy. It would’ve been the perfect opportunity for Bedard, Blashill, and the Blackhawks to make a statement, but it wasn’t to be.

Regardless, the Hawks went toe-to-toe with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. A one-goal loss to start the NHL campaign isn’t the worst possible outcome for the young Blackhawks. Still, Blashill voiced a stern comment after the game in Sunrise, Florida.

“It is such an unforgiving leagu

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