The Chicago Blackhawks delivered their best performance of the season, crushing the St. Louis Blues 8–3 on the road — their largest road victory margin since November 2019. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
After a few close, hard-fought games, Chicago looked sharp in all areas — structure, compete level, and execution.
Two things fueled their motivation:
1️⃣ Revenge for last year’s embarrassing Winter Classic loss.
2️⃣ A dedication to captain Nick Foligno, who stepped away to support his daughter through heart surgery.
As Frank Nazar said postgame: “That one was for him.”
First Period — Strong Response And Momentum Builder
The Hawks outshot the Blues 10–7 but had trouble managing the puck early, committing 10 giveaways in the first frame. St. Louis led in high-danger chances 5–0 at 5-on-5, forcing Arvid Söderblom to make several key saves.
Chicago opened the scoring at 3:02 when Ilya Mikheyev intercepted a pass and buried it into the open net.
Jake Neighbours tied the game for the Blues, but Lukas Reichel answered less than two minutes later with a slick angled shot from the left circle to regain the lead 2–1.
Before the end of the period, Dylan Holloway tied it again 2–2. The first period ended evenly, but Chicago looked ready to push back hard in the second.
Second Period — Complete Control
The Hawks dominated the second period with 11 shots on goal, while the Blues managed only 5. Chicago pulled away with three unanswered goals to take full control of the game.
Reichel scored his second of the night by tipping in Alex Vlasic’s shot from the point, giving Chicago a 3–2 lead they never lost.
A few minutes later, Frank Nazar went end-to-end with a highlight goal to make it 4–2.
That goal ended Joel Hofer’s night, as Jim Montgomery pulled him after allowing four goals. Jordan Binningtoncame in relief, and despite allowing only one goal on seven shots, the damage was already done.
After two periods, Chicago led 5–2 and had a 21–15 advantage in shots.
Third Period — Finishing The Job
The Hawks kept their foot on the gas. They scored two goals in the first five minutes — Ryan Donato crashing the crease for 6–2, and Tyler Bertuzzi adding a power-play goal to make it 7–2.
Ryan Greene later scored his first NHL goal for the 8–3 final, another strong moment for the young core.
Hofer’s night ended in disappointment, allowing seven goals on 22 shots (.682 SV%) after returning to start the third period.
The Hawks outshot the Blues 29–26 overall. Chicago finished 1-for-3 on the power play, while St. Louis went 0-for-2.
Overall Game Recap
It was a complete team effort from start to finish. The bottom six contributed eight points, and the defense added five points, showing strong balance throughout the lineup.
Vlasic recorded his first two points of the season, picking up two primary assists, while Connor Bedard had three helpers and continued to control the tempo offensively.
The Hawks’ compete level and pace were excellent again. Under Jeff Blashill, Chicago is building a clear identity — smart defensively, structured in transition, and creative offensively.
Game Stats
| Category | Blackhawks | Blues |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 8 | 3 |
| Shots on Goal | 29 | 26 |
| Faceoffs | 55.6% (30/54) | 44.4% (24/54) |
| Power Play | 1/3 | 0/2 |
| Hits | 9 | 28 |
| Blocked Shots | 9 | 10 |
| Giveaways | 23 | 15 |
| Takeaways | 11 | 1 |
| Corsi For % (CF%) | 46.6% | 53.4% |
| Expected Goals For % (xGF%) | 50.54% | 49.46% |
| High-Danger Chances % (HDCF%) | 43.48% | 56.52% |
Numbers By Players
Lukas Reichel — 2 G (1-2), 1 A (1), 3 PTS, 5 SOG, TOI 13:11
Connor Bedard — 3 A (2-3-4), 3 PTS, TOI 18:57, FO% 50.0
Tyler Bertuzzi — 1 G (1) (PPG), 1 A, 2 PTS, 4 SOG
Ilya Mikheyev — 1 G (3), 1 A (1), 2 PTS, 3 SOG
Ryan Donato — 1 G (1) , 1 PTS, 4 SOG, +2
Jason Dickinson — 1 G (1), 1 PTS, +3, FO% 68.8
Ryan Greene — 1 G (1), 1 PTS (First NHL Goal)
Frank Nazar — 1 G (2), 1 PTS
Alex Vlasic — 2 A (1-2), 2 PTS, TOI 22:07, 2 BLK
Artyom Levshunov — +3
Arvid Söderblom — 23/26 SV, .885 SV%
Three Stars Of The Game
⭐ Lukas Reichel — 2 G, 1 A, 3 PTS
⭐⭐ Ilya Mikheyev — 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS
⭐⭐⭐ Connor Bedard — 3 A
My 3 Takeaways
1️⃣ Jason Dickinson — Dickinson in the lineup makes a huge difference for this team. His chemistry with Mikheyev is excellent, and both play hard in all three zones. They create chances, make plays, and bring secondary offense. The bottom six combined for eight points in this game. Dickinson also stepped up as a leader with Foligno out, showing effort, composure, and intensity. His play pushed Donato and Mikheyev to another level.
2️⃣ Lukas Reichel — He showed character and focus despite all the trade rumours surrounding him. Three points and first star of the night — one of his best games with the Hawks. He used his speed well, was confident on the puck, and capitalized on his scoring chances. Even if his future in Chicago remains uncertain, this performance reminded everyone of his offensive upside.
3️⃣ Fans deserved it — Rebuilds are painful, and Hawks fans have lived through that. But this season feels different. Under Blashill, the Hawks are playing meaningful hockey. They compete every night, and even in losses, they are in the game. Last night, they dominated with energy, effort, and pride. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress — and fans deserve to enjoy that.
Final Thoughts
It’s been a long time since Hawks fans saw such an explosive and confident team performance.
The young group continues to grow, the depth is contributing, and the leadership is spreading through the lineup.
Two straight wins and a balanced offense — this looks like a team turning a corner.
As Coach Blashill said: “We took a step forward tonight — and we’re not done yet.”
Next up:
Friday night vs Vancouver 8:30PM CDT — another big test for this improving team.
Keep Reading:
Blackhawks Ready for Another Test in St. Louis
Blackhawks Monday Recap: NHL Opening Week
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What a game last night. I do think the pass by Hofer for the first goal of the game was a mental advantage for the Hawks, followed up by Reichels 1st goal.
Full credit on the Blackhawks for not only taking advantage but not letting the Blues get up after being knocked down in the 2nd period.
Forecheck was crazy good
But Blashill has plenty of things to point out to the team in spite the blowout win.
The transition defense at times was very poor, and they allowed to many weak side passes/chances to score. Gotta clean that up.
It was not the defensive gem they had vs the Mammoth.
My God it’s nice to win board battles, 50/50 pucks this year.
Great comment, my friend “DOTS.”
For a team like the Blackhawks, who are now entering Phase 2 of their rebuild, mistakes are still part of the process — the key is to make sure they’re not repeated. I really like what Blashill is implementing within the group and how the players are responding to his system.
Bedard looks both “angry” and “hungry” — his compete level has gone up a notch, and there’s a noticeable maturity in his overall game right now. It’s exciting to see this evolution taking shape.
Can’t wait for tomorrow night’s game. Enjoy your evening, my friend
Hawks skated em outa their own barn. The speed and tenacity from the top to the bottom of the lineup overwhelmed the Blues. …. IMO the first real look at the fruits of the rebuild at the NHL level.
In a night of much to grab on to for a fan for me it was Reichel. If this roster adds elite quick twitch speed that provides any kind of passable 2 way play and possession numbers with top 6 hands then you are starting to talk about an embarrassment of riches in speed.
But, I ain’t buying it. Reichel is filed away as an enigma for me. He’s earned no trust from even his biggest backers so it’s gonna take long stretches of consistency to gain trust….. Wonder how long Blashill’s leash is cuz you can’t sit this missile next game, can you?
This is what roster competition looks like.
Thanks for your comment today, my friend — you nailed it on Reichel.
I completely agree — there doesn’t seem to be great chemistry between Blashill and Reichel right now. Maybe Reichel just isn’t the type of player Blashill naturally trusts yet. I could be wrong, but based on how he’s been used, it really feels that way.
Like you said, though, it’s been fun to watch this team every night. What matters most right now is seeing consistency, improvement, and meaningful effort in every game. That’s exactly what this stage of the rebuild should look like.