Home » NHL TEAMS » Blackhawks » RECAP: Blackhawks come back to win in shootout over Kings

RECAP: Blackhawks come back to win in shootout over Kings

  
RECAP: Blackhawks come back to win in shootout over Kings
Ryan Donato scores the game-winning goal against Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper in a shootout in an NHL hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Sun / Associated Press)

The Chicago Blackhawks continued on their West Coast trip against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday afternoon. After falling 3–2 to the San Jose Sharks, the Hawks looked to get back to their winning ways. For two periods, it looked like the Blackhawks would start this road trip 0–2 before a third-period eruption sent the Hawks to an eventual shootout victory.

The Hawks rolled out this starting lineup:

First period

This game did not start the way the Blackhawks wanted. Craig Smith was called for tripping less than four minutes into the period. After the Hawks failed to clear their zone multiple times, Alex Laferriere cashed in for the Kings’ first goal of the game.

Despite being outshot 12–4 in the first period, the Hawks only found themselves down 1–0.

Second period

In the second, the Hawks earned their first power play of the game. Sadly, it was the worst-looking power play of the season, yielding no offensive momentum at all. With under two minutes remaining in the period, Los Angeles stopped the Hawks in the neutral zone and turned it around on them. Laferriere potted his second goal of the game and eighth of the season for Los Angeles. 

The Hawks only trailed 2–0 despite being outshot 11–4.

Third period

The third period is when the Hawks woke up. Nick Foligno got the Hawks on the board.

Less than two minutes later, Smith tied the game with a nifty pass from the resurgent Lukas Reichel.

The Kings were not done in the third period, as former Blackhawks prospect Phillip Danault scored the Kings’ third goal to regain the lead at 3–2.

With 30 seconds remaining in the game, Tyler Bertuzzi tied the game for the Hawks at 3–3 and forced overtime.

Overtime and shootout

Both teams failed to score in overtime, despite multiple dangerous chances from Connor Bedard. Bedard started the Hawks off in the shootout with his best Patrick Kane impression as the Hawks tied it at 1–1 in the shootout.

Laferriere was then stopped by Petr Mrazek. Teuvo Teravainen scored for the Hawks, Adrian Kempe scored for Los Angeles.

Ryan Donato won the game for the Hawks with a highlight reel goal.

The Hawks won 4–3 in a shootout.

Analysis

This win is reminiscent of prior Luke Richardson teams: The team does not quit and found a way to win despite being outplayed.

One of the main reasons the Hawks were able to come back was the play of Mrazek. Mrazek saved 37 of 40 shots in game and did just enough to win it in the shootout. Mrazek has appeared in 10 games for the Hawks thus far this season. This was not the plan heading into the year. Mrazek has been pressed into more action early due to injuries to Laurent Brossoit and Arvid Soderblom. Hopefully the Hawks can start to balance his workload with Soderblom back from illness and Brossoit coming back soon.

Reichel

When the season began, Reichel was a healthy scratch for the first four games. Since then, he has appeared in eight games with five points. Reichel continues to improve his play and has found chemistry with Smith this season. Smith and Reichel have been a bright spot for the Hawks this season.

Donato

Donato has been a crucial piece of the Blackhawks’ offense as of late. Donato has six goals and eight points on his 10 games this season. He is currently second on the Hawks in scoring and continues to find ways to help the Hawks win. Donato should not be healthy scratched anytime soon.

The Hawks’ next contest is Sunday at 7 p.m. CST.

Leave a Reply