Commesso Earns First NHL Win, Blanks Preds

Tyler Bertuzzi and Connor Bedard each recorded two points as the Chicago Blackhawks earned a 3–0 shutout win over the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday night, improving to five wins in their last six games.

Chicago was outshot 36–21 and spent much of the night under pressure, but rookie goaltender Drew Commesso delivered a game-changing performance. Making just his fourth NHL appearance and second start of the season, Commesso stopped all 36 shots he faced to secure his first career NHL win — and his first shutout.

The victory came less than 24 hours after a home loss to Washington, with Chicago traveling to Nashville shorthanded. Both regular goaltenders were sidelined due to illness, and defenseman Louis Crevier remained in Chicago. Despite being pushed for long stretches, the Blackhawks capitalized on their opportunities and relied on Commesso’s calm presence in net to steal a road win.

Game Summary

The game opened scoreless, but Drew Commesso set the tone early. The rookie goaltender was sharp from the opening faceoff, stopping all nine shots he faced in the first period. Nashville pushed hard in the opening minutes, and Commesso made several big saves in the first seven minutes alone, repeatedly bailing out Chicago’s defense and allowing the Blackhawks to survive a sloppy start.

That early sharpness reflected the difference a full pregame routine makes when a goaltender knows he is starting. Commesso looked calm, prepared, and confident. Despite Nashville controlling the pace early, Chicago avoided giving up another early goal — a major improvement from the previous night — and gradually settled into the game.

Connor Bedard’s return to the power play was noticeable immediately. While the Blackhawks had found ways to convert recently without him, Bedard added creativity, deception, and quick puck movement that changed the dynamic of the unit.

First Period

Nashville controlled much of the play, leading shot attempts 20–12 and holding an 11–4 edge in scoring chances. However, strong goaltending and quick clears limited the damage. Shots on goal were 9–7 in favor of the Predators after 20 minutes, with the game remaining scoreless.

Second Period

The game became more physical in the second period, and special teams took center stage. Chicago capitalized on the power play, while Nashville failed to convert on two man-advantage opportunities.

At 6:41 of the second period, Bedard made a terrific play before finding Tyler Bertuzzi, who buried a wrist shot for his 23rd goal of the season to give Chicago a 1–0 lead. Bertuzzi now has seven points in six games since the start of 2026. Commesso continued to shine, making several high-quality saves to keep the lead intact.

Shot attempts were closer at 37–32 Nashville, with shots on goal at 21–16 Predators. Scoring chances were nearly even (19–18 Nashville), marking a solid, competitive period for the Blackhawks.

another power play goal from #⃣5⃣9⃣✅ pic.twitter.com/iKZIN5QbWl
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 11, 2026

Third Period

Nashville pushed hard in the third period, firing 15 shots, but Commesso stole the game with even bigger saves under heavy pressure. His poise in scramble situations stood out all night, and there were plenty of them.

Midway through the period, the Predators left the slot wide open, and rookie Nick Lardis made them pay. After a pass from Bedard and a secondary assist from Kevin Korchinski, Lardis scored his fourth goal of the season. It was his second goal in his last three games and his fourth in his first 14 NHL appearances.

Ryan Greene sealed the win with an empty-net goal — his fifth of the season — a moment made even better by Bertuzzi handing him the puck afterward, a true veteran move for a player who has worked hard for that goal.

the kids are alright😌 pic.twitter.com/d6Ewg13GID
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 11, 2026

Final Notes

Drew Commesso earned his first NHL win with a shutout, turning aside 36 shots and becoming the first Blackhawks goaltender to record his first career victory via shutout since Corey Crawford. Nashville generated 4.32 expected goals, but Commesso held them to zero.

Bertuzzi’s power-play goal was his 20th high-danger goal of the season, the most in the NHL. Kevin Korchinski delivered a much stronger performance, skating confidently and contributing offensively.

Once again, Chicago’s special teams were a difference-maker. The penalty kill was excellent, and the power play struck at the right moment.

It was a huge road win under difficult circumstances, with multiple players sidelined by illness. The Blackhawks showed resilience, received elite goaltending, and improved to 6-3-1 in their last 10 games.

Inside the Locker Room

Drew Commesso (on his first NHL win):
“I think I’ll remember it as my first career win more than the shutout. It was a big win for the team, especially after the game last night when I don’t think any of us were happy with how we played. For us to respond like that, with timely goals, was huge. Nick Lardis getting that big second goal mattered a lot, and surviving that long shift at the end — it was just a total team effort.”

Jeff Blashill (on Connor Bedard):
“I thought Bedard would look more comfortable tonight than last night, and he’s going to look more comfortable in the next game than he did tonight. That’s just the reality of being out for a long time and getting your groove back.”

Drew Commesso (on preparation and faith):
“I’m so blessed and thankful to God for putting me in this situation. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Him. My faith helps me stay even-keeled — when things aren’t going well and when things are going well, just staying thankful and grateful. One thing I’ve learned about pro hockey is that a lot is out of your control. I went from not even playing in the Rockford game on Friday to starting for the Blackhawks. You never know. It’s good to lean on your preparation when you need it.”

Notes

• Drew Commesso became the fourth goaltender in Blackhawks franchise history to record a shutout in his first NHL win, joining Corey Crawford (March 5, 2008), Craig Anderson (Jan. 22, 2004), and Paul Goodman (Jan. 1, 1940).

• Connor Bedard recorded his 41st career multi-point game, tying Jeremy Roenick and Eddie Olczyk for the second-most by a Chicago player before age 21, trailing only Denis Savard (44).

• Blackhawks goaltenders Spencer Knight and Arvid Söderblom, along with defenseman Louis Crevier, missed the game due to illness.

• Chicago’s power play struck for the third straight game and is now 5-for-11 (45.5%) over that span.

• The Blackhawks’ penalty kill has not allowed a power-play goal in six consecutive games and is a perfect 14-for-14 during that stretch.

• Chicago improved to 5-1-0 in January.

Game Stats

Stat	Chicago	Nashville
Final Score	3	0
Shots on Goal	21	36
Faceoff Win %	45.3%	54.7%
Power Play	1 / 3	0 / 3
Hits	18	20
Blocked Shots	8	8
Giveaways	14	13
Takeaways	2	7
Penalty Minutes	8	8
CF% (Corsi For)	39.5%	60.5%
HDCF% (High-Danger Chances)	22.2%	77.8%
xGF% (Expected Goals For)	31.8%	68.2%

Blackhawks Player Highlights

Connor Bedard 2 A | 2 PTS | +2 | 3 SOG

Tyler Bertuzzi 1 G | 1 A | 2 PTS | 3 SOG | GWG

Ryan Greene 1 G | 1 PTS | +2 | ENG

Nick Lardis 1 G | 1 PTS | 2 SOG

Kevin Korchinski 1 A | 1 PTS | TOI: 14:04 | 2 SOG | 1 BLK

Artyom Levshunov 1 A | 1 PTS | TOI: 23:32 | 4 HITS

Drew Commesso 36 SV | 36 SA | Shutout | First NHL SO

⭐ Three Stars of the Game

D. Commesso
#33 • CHI • Goalie
GAA: 0.00 | SV%: 1.000

C. Bedard
#98 • CHI • Center
G: 0 | A: 2 | P: 2

N. Lardis
#76 • CHI • Left Wing
G: 1 | A: 0 | P: 1

My Takeaways

1. Drew Commesso — A Game-Stealing Performance

What a response from Commesso. After a so-so outing the night before against Washington, the rookie bounced back in a massive way in just his fourth NHL appearance. Facing heavy pressure all night, Commesso delivered one of the best goaltending performances in the NHL this season

He was calm, square to the puck, and tracked shots extremely well through traffic. Nashville generated significant offense, but Commesso consistently erased high-quality chances, finishing the night with an xGSVA north of 4.25. Simply put, he was the reason the Blackhawks won this game and fully deserved First Star honors.

2. Connor Bedard — Finding His Groove Again

In just his second game after missing 12 contests, Bedard already looked more engaged, more alert, and noticeably stronger on his skates. The difference he makes when he’s in the lineup is obvious.

Chicago’s power play instantly becomes more dangerous and creative with Bedard on the ice — quicker puck movement, better spacing, and more chances generated. This was only the beginning of him rediscovering his rhythm, and it’s clear the Blackhawks are a different team when he’s available.

3. Team Effort — Resilience and Character

This was a strong bounce-back performance after a rough showing the night before. Playing without both regular goaltenders and without Louis Crevier, the Blackhawks showed real character, resilience, and commitment.

Yes, Nashville controlled much of the game territorially, but Chicago never stopped working. Shift after shift, they competed hard, blocked shots, cleared rebounds, and supported their goaltender. With several players clearly not at 100 percent, this was a gritty, unified team effort — one that speaks volumes about the group’s mindset and willingness to battle together.