The Chicago Blackhawks were coming off their biggest win of the season, smashing the Dallas Stars 6–2 on Wednesday night. Entering the game against Minnesota, the Hawks were on a three-game point streak.
The Hawks had finally broken through offensively and were hoping to build upon that production.
1st period
In the first period, the Hawks got out to the early lead. Ryan Donato potted his ninth goal of the season.
Ryan Donato scores his ninth goal of the season — eighth on the road. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/LOFVWSdY8n
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 29, 2024
The Hawks finished the first period up 1–0. The Wild did outshoot the Blackhawks 8–4 in the period.
2nd period
Early in the second period, Donato scored the power-play for his tenth goal of the season.
Ryan Donato scores on the power play for his second of the game and 10th of the season. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/bh5vdOXsKu
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 29, 2024
With the Blackhawks up 2–0 in the second, the Wild responded in a big way. The Wild fired two goals past Petr Mrazek in 17 seconds. Marco Rossi scored his seventh of the season for Minnesota’s first goal. Jared Spurgeon then ended his goal drought with his first goal of the season.
Later in the period, Mrazek had a rare miscue that led to the second Spurgeon goal of the period. This goal turned out to be the game-winner.
3rd period
The Hawks tried to come back in the third period with Donato failing to score on a great chance. After some very questionable calls, the Hawks fell to the Wild 3–2.
Analysis
Despite losing this game, there were some positives for the Hawks. Connor Bedard appears to be feeling more confident since breaking his goal-less streak against Dallas. He recorded one assist and was very noticeable on offense. He is still the best offensive producer on the Blackhawks.
Donato continues his impressive season recording two goals for his ninth and tenth goals of the season. Last season with the Hawks, he had 12 goals and 18 assists and is on pace to eclipse to goal mark. Donato’s hot start and expiring contract could make him an attractive trade chip at the deadline.
On the goalie front, Mrazek who has been very good for the Hawks, had a bad second period that ultimately cost them the game. Despite botching this game, the tandem of Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom are keeping the Hawks in the majority of their games.
In other Hawks news, Laurent Brossoit will be out another six weeks after requiring a second surgery to fix his knee. Soderblom will not be waiver-exempt by the team Brossoit is ready to return so expect a goalie logjam on the Hawks in the future.
The Hawks next game is Sunday, December 1st against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the United Center. For those of who can watch the game, it will be on CHSN at 3:00pm CDT.