The Chicago Blackhawks finally broke through on their road trip with a huge 5–2 win over the Vancouver Canucks — their first victory in Vancouver in nearly four years and a statement performance built on patience, resilience, and elite goaltending.
For 40 minutes, the Blackhawks were outshot, outskated, and hemmed in their own zone. But when the third period arrived, Chicago flipped the script completely. Led by Tyler Bertuzzi’s hat trick, a brilliant night from Spencer Knight, and another strong outing from Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks exploded for four goals in 8:31 and ended Vancouver’s 11-game dominance in this matchup.
This wasn’t just a win — it was a character win.
First Period: A Fast, Physical Start
The pace was high right from puck drop. Both teams traded chances, but neither was able to solve the goaltenders.
Vancouver controlled the puck more often, but Chicago defended well inside the dots and kept most threats to the outside.
Still, Spencer Knight had to make a few difficult stops early, setting the tone for his brilliant night. Despite the pressure, the opening frame ended 0–0.
Second Period: Knight Turns Into a Wall
If the first period belonged to both teams, the second belonged to Spencer Knight.
Vancouver fired 19 shots in the middle frame alone and dominated possession. By the time the second intermission arrived, the shot totals were 35–19 for the Canucks, and the only reason the scoreboard remained 0–0 was Knight’s composure and reflexes.
The key moment came at 11:26, when Vancouver appeared to open the scoring — but Chicago challenged the play after Drew O’Connor pushed Knight to the ice. The goal was overturned, a massive momentum swing that kept the Blackhawks alive.
Chicago survived the onslaught. Knight stole the period. And the door was left open.
Third Period: Bertuzzi Blows the Game Wide Open
“Puck don’t lie.”
After two scoreless periods, the Blackhawks rewarded their goaltender with one of their most explosive frames of the season.
Bertuzzi Hat Trick (8:31 apart)
Tyler Bertuzzi took over the game with three goals, all from his trademark back-post position:
- 1–0 CHI (3:06): Matt Grzelcyk’s rim-around bounced to Bertuzzi, who banked it in off his skate.
- 2–0 CHI (6:46, PPG): Bedard threaded a perfect backdoor pass and Bertuzzi buried it on one knee.
- 4–0 CHI (11:37): Another rebound, same spot — pure instincts and positioning.
Blashill praised his forward again:
“He wins pucks. He’s learned how to build a wall on that back post, and people shoot for it. That’s who he is.”
Chicago Keeps Their Foot Down
Between Bertuzzi’s second and third goals, Ilya Mikheyev made it 3–0 with a short-side wrister.
Vancouver finally answered with two late goals, but Bedard sealed the night by scoring into the empty net, his first-ever goal in Vancouver at the NHL level.
Chicago erupted for five goals in the final period, snapping their 0–2–1 slump and grabbing their first win of the six-game trip.
Blackhawks Player Highlights
- Tyler Bertuzzi — 3G (4,5,6) 3PTS (8,9,10), 4 SOG
- Connor Bedard — 1G (7), 1A(11), 2PTS (17,18), 5 SOG, TOI 20:32, 41.7% FO
- Ryan Donato — 2A (3,4), 2PTS (9,10) +2
- Oliver Moore — 1A (1), 1PTS (1) +2, TOI 11:10
- Ilya Mikheyev — 1G (4), 1 PTS (6) 2 SOG
- Four CHI defensemen recorded one assist (+4 combined)
- Spencer Knight — 43 saves on 45 shots (.956 SV%)
Game Stats: Blackhawks vs Canucks
| Category | Blackhawks | Canucks |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 5 | 2 |
| Shots on Goal | 28 | 45 |
| Faceoff % | 44.4% | 55.6% |
| Power Play | 1/1 | 0/2 |
| Hits | 12 | 18 |
| Blocked Shots | 8 | 15 |
| Giveaways | 17 | 21 |
| Takeaways | 4 | 6 |
3 Stars of the Game
1. Tyler Bertuzzi (CHI) — Hat trick 3 goals, 3 points
2. Spencer Knight (CHI) — 43 saves, .956 SV%
3. Evander Kane (VAN) — 1 goal, 1 point
NOTES
- Connor Bedard, who doesn’t turn 21 until after this season, now has 146 NHL points, tying Bobby Hull for 4th-most in franchise history before age 21.
- Connor Bedard is on a six-game point streak with 11 points during that span. (5G-6A)
- Tyler Bertuzzi becomes the 7th Blackhawk in 30 years to score a hat trick in one period.
- Bertuzzi is now the 6th player in NHL history to record a hat trick for three Original Six franchises (DET, TOR, CHI).
Final Thought
This wasn’t a perfect game — far from it. Chicago spent two periods pinned in their own zone and needed their goalie to stand on his head. But this is what rebuilding teams need: proof they can hang with fast, skilled teams and finish the job when the door opens.
The Blackhawks didn’t just survive tonight.
They attacked, finished, and finally closed out the game against the Vancouver Canucks.
Next Game: Friday, Nov. 7 at Calgary — 9:00 PM CDT.
KEEP READING:
Davidson Encouraged by Bedard’s Growth
Hawks Search For The Right Fit Beside Bedard
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Dang it, i fell asleep during the intermission.
Knight was outstanding but i also believe the Blackhawks defense/team has figured out if you don’t allow any clean backdoor passes its going to be very very very difficult for the opponent to score.
From what i saw in the 1st and 2nd period great sticks by dmen and forwards in the defensive zone
Big win by this club to stop a losing streak, this was a big issue for the team last year
Watching how the Canucks are on the same page with passing the puck, i can’t wait for the Blackhawks to be on that same page.
Big win for this group to stop a losing streak. That was a major issue for them last year. Watching how the Canucks move the puck so well, you can’t help but imagine the Blackhawks getting to that level too.
Overall, my friend, Chicago showed real character with five goals in the third period. This team is fun to watch right now… and there’s more coming tonight against the Flames.
Thanks for your comment
Like the way you phrased it in your summary. The Hawks didn’t just survive……. Yep, even though the ice was tilted against them in the 1st and 2nd they just kept attacking/skating until they broke thru.