“I don’t know if it was dirty. I think Connor was reaching for a puck and didn’t see him. … I don’t think he stepped up on him. I just think he kind of stopped and Connor ran headfirst right into him.” —Luke Richardson on Brendan Smith’s hit on... Connor Bedardshow more

@JamesNicholsNHL So in other words, a clean hit.

Great take by the coach. Hughes got rocked his first couple of years and he learned to be more aware on the ice. Its unfortunate bedard got hurt, but he'll be better from this.

@amandacstein it. wasnt. dirty. Hockey is the only collision sports where the stars cant be collided with.

Luke knows a clean hit when he sees it

@ChicagoSports He was losing the puck , a bit off balanced and got drilled . Hope it’s not his jaw

Kept his elbows down, stick down, couldn't have been cleaner.

@yyzsportsmedia Honest Luke.

All season he’s been chasing the puck .. especially when he lost it.. thinking he could do it all.. its been headlines as gutsy , etc . it’s cost goals and only lately has Luke been coaching him on D and focus on next play ..

Can you be less in Connor’s corner? You do not take shots at the NHL’s Gretskys!