Avs, Bedard downplay Manson’s slash
The Blackhawks didn’t get the retribution some of them appeared to be seeking a few days ago, after all.
Colorado defenseman Josh Manson was unavailable with a lowerbody injury for Monday night’s clash with Chicago at Ball Arena. Manson slashed Chicago phenom Connor Bedard on the wrist away from the play when the two teams met this past Thursday at United Center, and a couple of Bedard’s teammates had harsh words about the incident in the aftermath.
“Watching the play, I don’t think it was really that bad,” Avs forward Ross Colton said.
“I think that’s just social media nowadays. Everyone blows everything out of proportion. So I don’t expect (any retribution), no.”
The slash came in the third period of a game that was already out of reach. Bedard had taken a whack at Avs defenseman Bo Byram with his stick away from the play earlier in the contest, so Manson’s motivation might have been a little payback. Manson didn’t skate Monday morning and wasn’t available to the media.
Three of Bedard’s teammates spoke out against Manson’s slash to Mark Lazerus of The Athletic. Reese Johnson, who fought Chris Wagner earlier in the game, called it a “greasy” move.
Bedard met with the media after Chicago’s morning skate in Denver and downplayed the incident. Byram did as well.
“I don’t want to make any headlines,” Byram said. “Everyone is just out playing hard. Connor is really good player and teams are going to go after him. That definitely wasn’t our purpose last game to go after Connor, but he’s a good player and teams are going to play him hard.
“There was nothing personal personal about it. We were just playing hockey and playing hard having fun. That’s what makes hockey so great is the little battles within the game.
“I don’t think it’s really that big of a deal in our locker room. If it is in theirs, I’m sure we’ll hear about it on the ice tonight or something.”
Colorado had little trouble with Chicago last week at United Center, authoring one of its most complete efforts of the season in a 5-0 win. In the day or two after that game, it seemed like a spicy rematch was brewing.
It’s possible Manson’s absence and the Blackhawks having a few days to cool off defused the situation. Avs coach Jared Bednar said pregame that he thought it was “unlikely” his team would face any blowback from the play.
“I’m sure (Bedard) is a competitive guy,” Byram said.
“He doesn’t like losing. There’s going to be times everybody just shows their emotion on the ice. I think that’s a good thing. So yeah, not a huge deal for us in our locker room.”