Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi did not hold back after another tough loss, admitting the team is struggling to find answers late in the NHL season. Chicago has now dropped six of its last eight games, falling further out of the playoff race with only nine games remaining.
Following a 6-1 defeat to the New York Rangers, Bertuzzi addressed the team’s issues directly. He said the group is still trying to figure out what is going wrong. He pointed to a mix of youth and inconsistency, while stressing that responsibility falls on the entire roster.
“We’re trying to figure out [what’s going wrong] ourselves,” Bertuzzi said. “I don’t know if it’s just such a young team, immaturity, and we can’t put it together. But it’s on everyone.”
MORE: What if Sharks drafted Matthew Schaefer? NHL analyst shares stunning scenario
Bertuzzi also placed pressure on the veteran players. He said older players must lead better and set the standard for younger teammates. His comments reflected frustration after a stretch where Chicago has struggled in all areas.
“It’s on us older guys to show the lead and have them follow,” Bertuzzi said. “As a group, everyone, the last few games, we have not been good at all.”
Tyler Bertuzzi: “We’re trying to figure out [what’s going wrong] ourselves. I don’t know if it’s just such a young team, immaturity and we can’t put it together. But it’s on everyone. It’s on us older guys to show the lead and have them follow. As a group, everyone, the last few…
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 28, 2026
The loss to New York highlighted those problems clearly. Jonny Brodzinski scored twice, and goalie Dylan Garand made 27 saves to earn his first NHL win. Chicago managed just one goal from Nick Lardis, with Bertuzzi’s assist, despite creating some early chances.
Bertuzzi’s performance for the Blackhawks
Bertuzzi remains one of the few bright spots this season. The winger has recorded 53 points in 70 games, including strong production on the power play. However, his minus-19 rating reflects the team’s defensive struggles.
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) and left wing Tyler Bertuzzi at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Chicago sits last in the Central Division with a 27-33-13 record. The team averages only 2.55 goals per game while allowing more than three goals against. Young star Connor Bedard continues to lead the rebuild, but inconsistency has defined the season.
With time running out, Bertuzzi’s message shows a team searching for identity. The final stretch may now focus more on growth than results.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
MARCH MADNESS: 2026 Sweet 16 TV schedule, game times & dates for NCAA Tournament
MLB: Predicting the winner of every MLB game on Friday, March 27, 2026
NFL: NFL pushes back Tom Brady’s sensational return to football
SPORTS MEDIA: Sweet 16 announcer pairings & TV schedule for 2026 NCAA Tournament
ENTERTAINMENT: 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards winners, Taylor Swift leads full list
VIRAL: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce tower over 5-foot-3 Olympic champ Alysa Liu