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RECAP: Blackhawks complete comeback in overtime against Sharks

  
RECAP: Blackhawks complete comeback in overtime against Sharks
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones, right, is congratulated by center Philipp Kurashev after scoring against the San Jose Sharks in overtime of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, California, on Saturday, March 23, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)

While most of us were sleeping, the Chicago Blackhawks completed their biggest regular season comeback since 2009 against the Calgary Flames. The Hawks were down 4–0 to the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night with 1:24 left to go in the second period and won at the 18-second mark in overtime.

Here is the lineup that completed the comeback.

First period

In the first period, the Sharks jumped out to a 2–0 lead on two goals from Thomas Bordeleau. Scott Powers of The Athletic called the period among the worst of the season for the visitors.

Second period

In the second period, fans who were watching this game were questioning on why they were still awake, as the Sharks extended their lead to 4–0. Fabian Zetterlund scored his 19th goal of the season 16 seconds into the period. He then added his 20th goal on power play less than a minute later. The lead remained 4–0 until the scrappy Ryan Donato finally got the Blackhawks’ offense on the board.

Donato crashed the net after Taylor Raddysh fired a puck from up high.

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The Hawks were not done scoring this period, as Tyler Johnson got on the score sheet. Johnson has taken exception in how the Sharks have been treating Connor Bedard and made them pay with a goal.

The Johnson goal was set up by Donato working hard along the boards. Donato was instrumental in the Hawks’ first two goals of the comeback.

Third period

In the third period, the Hawks took advantage of a delayed penalty call. As Petr Mrazek went to the bench, the Hawks brought on the extra attacker. Recently recalled Wyatt Kaiser fed a pass to Seth Jones, who buried a shot to cut the margin to one.

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With less than a minute remaining, the Hawks potted the equalizer. Donato and Nick Foligno were working hard along the boards. Foligno got it to Donato, who put the puck toward the net and Philipp Kurashev put the puck in.

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Overtime

In the overtime, the Blackhawks did not wait long to cap off the comeback. In the 3-on-3, Kurashev found Jones, who fired a shot past Devin Cooley to end the game.

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Analysis

In the grand scheme of things, this win does nothing but make certain that San Jose will have the league’s worst record. However, this win is a symbol of how the Blackhawks play under Luke Richardson. With nothing but pride left to play for in this game, the Hawks could have folded in the second period, but instead, scrappy veterans like Donato and Johnson gave them a chance to come back.

Donato was an unheralded signing at the time but has paid dividends this season. He brings a scrappy effort every night and can play up and down the lineup.

In addition to Donato playing a scrappy game, Lukas Reichel was noticeable for one of the first times all season. He was battling for the puck and using his body. He had a nice pass to Landon Slaggert in the first period that nearly gave Slaggert his first NHL goal. This is the type of play the Hawks need from Reichel.

Jones, the much-maligned defenseman, had another stellar offensive night to propel the Blackhawks to victory.

The Blackhawks’ next game is against the Flames at the United Center. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0QpEBP4VlQ

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