Veteran Forward Foligno Calls Out Blackhawks Rookies For Unacceptable Effort

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Graham Montgomery
November 26, 2023 (11:42 PM)

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Being a veteran player on a rebuilding team in the NHL often means you have to play the dad role on the team. Tonight, Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno did exactly that following a brutal loss to the St. Louis Blues.

Foligno: Your Hair Should Be On Fire This Whole Year

The veteran forward delivered a number of pertinent quotes in his post game interview after the Blackhawks lost to the Blues 4-2. The 36-year-old reminded his young teammates what it takes to win in the National Hockey League.

«We're just one win, one loss, one win, one loss. It's a frustrating road to be on. But we have to understand why we're in it.»

Nick Foligno on the Blackhawks' 4-2 loss to the Blues

Foligno continued his lengthy post-game interview with a clear attempt to light a fire under the younger players on the team. Or perhaps he was trying to light a fire on their head?

"Your hair should be on fire this whole year. Because you could be a big part of building this and being a part of the future of this. There is no excuse for that. Every time we step on the ice, find your motivation whatever it may be. I can think about 10 (things) already and I'm a 36-year-old guy. So that should through every guy in this room."

Blackhawks Face Increased Adversity With Key Players Missing

It has been a rough stretch for Chicago in the last couple of weeks. The team lost veteran forward Taylor Hall for the season after he had to have knee surgery.

Another major veteran voice has been absent from the team as well as Corey Perry has mysteriously been away from the team with no real clarity on his situation or possible timeline for return.

Perry is 4th on the team in scoring despite missing three games so far on his current leave of absence. He's also one of the stronger veteran presences in the locker room, so it is nice to see Foligno step up with him gone. The Blackhawks next face off against the Seattle kraken on Tuesday night.

As seen on Frustrated, Foligno critical of younger teammates after loss.