Blackhawks' Tyler Bertuzzi searching for answers after blowout Rangers loss

Chicago forward looks to figure out what's gone wrong during tough stretch

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:03am

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Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi is struggling to understand what has gone wrong for his team after a blowout 6-1 loss to the New York Rangers. The Blackhawks have dropped 12 of their last 17 games and are well out of playoff contention, leaving Bertuzzi and his teammates searching for answers.

Why it matters

The Blackhawks were hoping to finish the season strong, but their recent struggles have them near the bottom of the NHL standings. Bertuzzi, as one of the team's veteran leaders, is trying to guide the young squad through this difficult stretch and instill confidence for the future.

The details

In the loss to the Rangers, rookie goaltender Dylan Garand earned his first career NHL victory, stopping 27 shots. The Blackhawks did open the scoring, but were unable to contain the Rangers' offense. Bertuzzi acknowledged the team's immaturity and inability to put it all together lately, placing the responsibility on the veteran players to lead the way.

  • The Blackhawks have dropped 12 of their last 17 games.
  • Chicago opened the scoring against the Rangers on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Tyler Bertuzzi

A forward for the Chicago Blackhawks who is trying to guide the young team through a difficult stretch late in the season.

Dylan Garand

The rookie goaltender for the New York Rangers who earned his first career NHL victory by stopping 27 shots against the Blackhawks.

Arvid Soderblom

The starting goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks in the loss to the Rangers.

Connor Bedard

A promising young player for the Blackhawks who was an MVP candidate early in the season before suffering an injury.

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What they’re saying

“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 games, we have not been good at all.”

— Tyler Bertuzzi, Chicago Blackhawks forward

What’s next

The Blackhawks will look to bounce back when they face the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, March 30, 2026.

The takeaway

The Blackhawks' struggles this season highlight the challenges of rebuilding a young team in the NHL. As a veteran leader, Bertuzzi is trying to set an example and guide the team through this difficult stretch, but the team's immaturity and inability to consistently perform has them near the bottom of the standings.