Chicago Blackhawks did not let the criticism of Connor Bedard made during the past week pass and responded to an NHL commentator after the win over the Nashville Predators.

But when a team isn’t playing so great, those additional eyeballs and the big-picture focus that comes with national games and commentators can have a more negative effect. This year’s Winter Classic was a great example.

The Chicago Blackhawks are having another year of struggles and disappointments. They are sitting in last place in the Central Division with a record of 16-31-6. On top of their struggles as a team, they have a 19-year-old centre going through a slump.