Every Monday, we bring you the Chicago Blackhawks weekly recap, covering everything from the NHL roster to the AHL Rockford IceHogs and top prospects in the system.
We review the week’s results, highlight standout performances, and close out with our Blackhawks Three Stars of the Week across all levels.
This recap covers games from Monday to Sunday (Week 13)
Blackhawks: Week 13 Record: 3-0-1
Game 1: Blackhawks 2 Isles 3 SO
The Chicago Blackhawks battled back from an early two-goal deficit but ultimately fell 3–2 in a shootout to the New York Islanders on Wednesday night.
Chicago got off to a slow start, surrendering two first-period goals, including a power-play marker by Bo Horvat. Despite the early hole, the Blackhawks responded with one of their strongest second periods in weeks.
Rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov drove the comeback, activating offensively and helping spark Chicago’s transition game. Teuvo Teräväinen cut the lead to 2–1 midway through the second period, and with just three seconds left in the frame, Nick Lardis tied the game on the power play.
The third period and overtime were tight and low-event, with both teams combining for just 12 shots on goal. Chicago came inches away from ending it in regulation, but posts denied both Levshunov and Nick Foligno late.
In the shootout, Horvat provided the lone goal, lifting the Islanders to the extra point.
Despite missing Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, the Blackhawks showed resilience and earned a point, with strong performances from their young core. Oliver Moore finished with two assists, while goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 19 of 21 shots in a bounce-back outing.
Game 2: Blackhawks 4 Stars 3
The Chicago Blackhawks earned a 4–3 regulation win over the Dallas Stars at the United Center, completing a season sweep with identical scores against Dallas.
Chicago set the tone early with a power-play goal by Artyom Levshunov in the first period before Dallas responded to tie the game. The Blackhawks took control in the second period, scoring twice — including another power-play marker by Teuvo Teräväinen — to build a 3–1 lead.
In the third, Ilya Mikheyev scored his second goal of the night to extend Chicago’s advantage to 4–1. Dallas pushed hard late with the goalie pulled, scoring twice in the final minutes, but the Blackhawks held on.
Goaltender Spencer Knight made key saves under pressure to close out the win, while Chicago’s special teams proved decisive, finishing 2-for-4 on the power play.
The victory marked a strong start to 2026 for the Blackhawks, highlighted by veteran scoring, steady goaltending, and continued growth from their young core.
Game 3: Blackhawks 3 Capitals 2 SO
The Chicago Blackhawks earned a 3–2 shootout win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday night, with captain Nick Foligno scoring the shootout winner in the sixth round.
Chicago got off to a strong start, opening the scoring early in the first period before Washington responded to tie the game. The Blackhawks regained the lead in the second period on a power-play goal by Teuvo Teräväinen, but the Capitals pushed back in the third to force overtime.
Both teams traded chances late in regulation and again in overtime, but goaltender Spencer Knight stood tall, stopping 32 shots and shutting the door in the shootout.
In the skills competition, Nick Lardis and Teräväinen converted for Chicago before Foligno sealed the win. The victory marked the Blackhawks’ first back-to-back wins since November and another encouraging step forward despite missing key players.
Game 4: Blackhawks 3 Golde Knights 2 OT
The Chicago Blackhawks continued their strong stretch of hockey Sunday night, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3–2 in overtime at the United Center. Tyler Bertuzzi was the difference-maker, completing his hat trick at 1:18 of overtime to lift Chicago to its third straight win and a 3-0-1 record in its last four games.
Vegas opened the scoring midway through the first period. At 10:40, Brandon Saad scored from the top of the crease after outmuscling Chicago defenseman Louis Crevier. The play started when Alexander Holtz won a puck battle at the red line and moved it to Brett Howden, who fed Saad in tight for the finish.
Chicago answered late in the period. At 12:38, Bertuzzi tied the game 1–1, scoring his 20th goal of the season. Defenseman Alex Vlasic found Bertuzzi at the left point, and Bertuzzi fired a wrist shot low past Vegas goaltender Akira Schmid. The goal gave Chicago life after a slow start, and the teams went to intermission even.
The Golden Knights regained the lead early in the second period. Just 43 seconds in, Mark Stone tapped in a loose puck in front after a pass from Jack Eichel deflected off a Chicago stick. Stone’s goal made it 2–1 Vegas, extending his goal streak to four games.
Chicago stayed patient and defended well as the game went on. Head coach Jeff Blashill liked his team’s structure, especially as the night progressed, and it showed in the third period. At 11:36, Bertuzzi struck again, tying the game 2–2 by poking home a loose puck at the side of the crease after a feed from Ryan Greene.
The Blackhawks pushed late and carried momentum into overtime. Just 78 seconds into the extra frame, Bertuzzi finished the job. Ilya Mikheyev circled behind the net and found Bertuzzi at the side of the crease, where he jammed the puck across the line to complete his second hat trick of the season and the fifth of his NHL career. The goal was reviewed for offside but upheld, sealing the win.
Arvid Söderblom made 13 saves for Chicago, including several calm stops late, while Schmid finished with 17 saves for Vegas. The loss extended the Golden Knights’ skid to five straight games (0-3-2), while Chicago continued to build confidence.
After the game, Bertuzzi pointed to preparation and mindset as key factors, especially on the second night of a back-to-back.
Chicago has now found consistency through structure, effort, and timely scoring. If this level of play continues, the Blackhawks are showing signs of a team moving in the right direction as the season reaches its midpoint.
Team Performance Overview
| Category | Week 12 | Season | NHL Rank |
| Record | 3-0-1 | 17-18-7 | 29th |
| Goals For | 11 | 118 | 24th |
| Goals Against | 9 | 134 | 22nd |
| Goal Differential | 2 | -16 | 25th |
| GF/GP | 2.75 | 2.76 | 26th |
| GA/GP | 2.25 | 3.12 | 17th |
| Power Play | 40.0% | 21.2% | 10th |
| Penalty Kill | 85.0% | 83.8% | 3rd |
| Shots/GP | 23.3 | 25.1 | 30th |
| Shots Against/GP | 23.8 | 29.7 | 27th |
| Faceoff % | 46.4% | 46.4% | 31st |
Blackhawks Player Highlights
T. Bertuzzi: 3 G | 2A | 5 PTS | 12 SOG
I. Mikheyev: 2 G | 2 A | 4 PTS | 5 SOG
A. Levshunov: 1 G | 2 A | 3 PTS | 5 SOG
T. Teravainen: 3 G | 3 PTS | 4 SOG
A. Burakovsky: 5 a | 5 PTS | 5 SOG
S. Knight: 2-0-1 .913%
AHL – IceHogs (0–4–0)
It was a tough week for the Rockford IceHogs, and the results tell the story. Rockford dropped four straight games and were outscored overall, including two losses in Hershey, followed by defeats against Chicago Wolves and the Milwaukee Admirals.
The most frustrating part? Game management late. On two occasions, the IceHogs failed to protect leads in the third period, and it ended up costing them points. Those are games you need to close out, especially against strong opponents like the Hershey Bears.
There were still some positives to take away. Gavin Hayes and Frank Savoie each scored two goals this week, continuing to provide offense and energy up front. Their production has been one of the few bright spots during a difficult stretch.
Overall, it was a step back in the standings, but also a clear reminder of where the focus needs to be moving forward: closing games, tightening up defensively late, and protecting leads in the third period. If Rockford can clean that up, the results should start to swing back in their favor.
Three Stars of the Week
Blackhawks
1️⃣ Tyler Bertuzzi: 3 G | 2 A | 5 PTS | 5 SOG
2️⃣ Andrei Burakovsky: 5 A | 5 PTS | 5 SOG
3️⃣ Teuvo Teravainen: 3 g | 3 PTS | 4 SOG
IceHogs
1️⃣ Gavin Hayes 2 G | 1 A | 3 PTS | 5 SOG
2️⃣ Kevin Lombardi 2 G | 1 A | 3 PTS | 4 SOG
3️⃣ Dominic Toninato 1 G | 2 A | 3 PTS | 5 SOG
Prospects
1️⃣ Anton Frondell5 G | 3 A | 8 PTS
2️⃣ Vaclav Nestrasil 2 G | 5 A | 7 PTS
3️⃣ AJ Spellacy 1 G | 3 A | 4 PTS
Final Thought
What a great week for the Blackhawks. Without Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, this team still found a way to collect 7 points out of 8, and the veterans stepped up exactly when they were needed. From Teräväinen to Donato to Bertuzzi and Burakovsky, different players delivered in different moments, showing leadership and pride.
On the back end, Artyom Levshunov is playing his best hockey of the season, gaining confidence every game, while both goaltenders came up with huge saves at crucial moments to give the team a chance to win. This group is learning how to compete, manage games, and grind out results even when key players are missing.
On the other side, it was a painful week for Rockford. The IceHogs struggled to close games, gave up leads, and paid the price on the scoreboard. It’s a reminder that development isn’t always smooth, but these moments are part of the process.
Overall, a very encouraging week in Chicago — and a tough but important one in Rockford.
Next Games:
Rockford IceHogs – Upcoming Games
Friday, January 9 – Home vs Chicago Wolves
7:00 PM CDT
Saturday, January 10 – Home vs Milwaukee Admirals
7:00 PM CDT
Chicago Blackhawks – Upcoming Games
• Wednesday, January 7 – Home vs St-Louis Blues
8:30 PM CDT
• Friday, January 9 – Home vs Washington Capitals
7:00 PM CDT
• Saturday, January 10 – Away at Nashville Predators
7:00 PM CDT
KEEP READING:
Blackhawks Weekly Recap: (Week 1)
Blackhawks Weekly Recap (Week 2)
Blackhawks Weekly Recap (Week 3)
Blackhawks Weekly Recap (Week 4)
Blackhawks Weekly Recap (Week 5)
Blackhawks Weekly Recap (Week 6)
Blackhawks Week in Review:Week 7
Blackhawks Week in Recap (Week 8)
Blackhawks Week In Review: (Week 9)
Blackhawks Week In Review: (Week 10)
Blackhawks Week In Review: (Week 11)
Blackhawks October Report Card
Blackhawks: November Report Card
