Biz vs. Bedard: How Simple Criticism Led to an Online War

The hockey world is blowing up on social media as two big names are caught in the midst of a word war. Paul Bissonette, former Arizona Coyote and current TNT analyst, came under fire last week for heavy criticism of Connor Bedard, current Chicago Blackhawks superstar.

What caused this?

After the first period between the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers on Feb. 5, the NHL on TNT panel shared their thoughts regarding the first period. After dealing with past criticism from Mark Messier and PK Subban, Paul Bissonnette added onto it, claiming the mistakes Bedard made were “pond hockey” plays.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reshared a post from podcaster Colby Cohen, where he highlighted the harsh criticism of Bedard from the TNT panel. Cohen discussed the criticism with Pat Maroon, asking the question: “does TNT hate Connor Bedard?”

This podcast highlights the criticism that Bedard’s received from analysts, disregarding the other aspects the Blackhawks struggle with. Seravalli believes that this criticism is unwarranted and too much.

How did Bedard respond?

In a post-practice press conference just a day after the fateful matchup versus Edmonton, Bedard was asked about the criticism by Chicago Sun-Times reporter Ben Pope. Bedard responded in a calm and collected way, saying “I’m not watching broadcasts or anything. I’m playing hockey. Their job is to say what they see. I couldn’t care less what people on the outside think of me.”

After their game against the Nashville Predators on Feb. 7, where Bedard had a goal and assist, the social media manager for the Blackhawks posted on their X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram:

Blackhawks fans applauded the team for poking fun at the situation, being a beacon of light and humor.

How did Bissonette respond?

Bissonette didn’t expect his criticism to reach these heights. After the Blackhawks shared their tweet, Bissonette took to X and Instagram to share how he believed his criticism was helping Bedard.

“Connor Bedard will one day thank me in his Hockey Hall of Fame speech,” said Bissonette in his first tweet. “Real friends don’t tell friends what they want to hear, they tell them what they need to hear.”

This first tweet was shared with a photo of the two during the Winter Classic, where they created content and held a face-off showdown.

His second tweet shared a highlight from that face-off showdown. “Does everyone remember Connor Bedard’s faceoff numbers before our on-ice session at Wrigley Field 6 weeks ago where we worked on faceoffs specifically??? I do. See a trend here??? You’re welcome, Blackhawks fans.”

In a recent episode of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, Bissonette highlighted how he believes the criticism both him and Bedard face has gotten out of hand.

“I want to make sure this kid knows this is not personal like this isn’t,” he said on the podcast, “And another thing as to maybe why this snowballed a little bit more than it should have, and Frank Seravalli brought it up. He’s like, ‘I feel this kid’s getting a bunch of, like, unwarranted hate lately.”

He went on to highlight that he didn’t see the discussion surrounding the hate Bedard’s been receiving. “I swear on my life,” Bissonnette said, “I was offline… I did not see that discussion happen.”

Was there any problem between the two before?

Connor Bedard is not known to involve himself in controversy with the media or other players. In interviews, he is blunt and honest. The most recent interview where he replied with a snarky comment was between him and Blackhawks reporter Darren Pang.

During intermission between the Blackhawks and the New York Islanders, Pang complemented the lone goal from Bedard.

”That was a good shot, that would’ve beaten me on the glove side even,” said Pang.

”I think anything would have beaten you on the glove side,” Bedard responded.

This isn’t the only viral response Bedard’s had to the media. Before he was drafted, he was a guest on the TNT panel during the 2023 Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“You’re 17 years-old, you’re in Vegas,” asked Liam McHugh, “the Stanley Cup’s here, and you’re sitting next to Wayne Gretzky. Are you getting used to this being the new normal for you?”

”It’s pretty crazy,” responded Bedard. “I mean, I’m super grateful, the NHL doing this, is incredible for me and the other three prospects to come, obviously there’s a couple pretty good players on this panel, and Biz is here too.”

Aside from these occasionally snarky comments, there’s no previous beef between the two.

How did they resolve it?

As the NHL entered the Four-Nations Face Off, Bedard’s point streak remained strong, with 22 points in 21 games. He looks to extend that streak going into the final part of the season, where the Blackhawks look to reach a 20-win season.

Bissonette never intended for anyone to take this to heart, tweeting “I love this sh**. Hockey’s poppin baby.”

Is this beef as serious as fans make it? Or could both sides be using it to draw more attention to the league? The two are not taking this personally, and believe the fans should not as well. As the season moves forward, the beef or even friendship between the two will be on full display, gaining the attention of fans across the continent.

Edited by Megan Wines