The Chicago Blackhawks concluded their four-game road trip in Florida against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night. Despite being severely undermanned in the talent department, the Blackhawks continue to play competitive hockey under head coach Luke Richardson.
Petr Mrazek got his second start in a row as Alex Stalock deals with a non-COVID-related illness.
In a tight game, neither the Hawks or Tampa Bay scored in the first period. In the second period, Brayden Point of the Lightning scored the game’s first goal. Victor Hedman feathered a pass over to Point, who snapped a shot on net. Mrazek was able to fend off the first attempt but the rebound went right back to Point, who buried his second chance. The second period ended with Tampa up 1–0.
In the third period, former Lightning forward and current Blackhawks forward Taylor Raddysh scored the equalizer. Cole Guttman retrieved an errant Tyler Johnson shot from behind the net and fed Raddysh the game-tying goal. Raddysh now has 17 goals on the season and leads the remaining Blackhawks in goals scored. Also on the Raddysh goal, all players involved were former members of the Tampa Bay organization.
With a minute left to play in regulation, Point found the back of the net to score the game-winning goal. Former Blackhawks Brandon Hagel added an empty-net goal to make the final 3–1.
- The Blackhawks return home for one game before going on the road again. The Hawks will host the Bruins on Tuesday.
- Recently acquired Anton Khudobin and Luke Philp were recalled from Rockford after Friday’s game against the Florida Panthers.
- The tank index update has the Blackhawks at 30 (.379), San Jose 31 (.373) and Columbus 32 (.362).
The Blackhawks’ next game is Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.