The Chicago Blackhawks finally got their first win of the season — and the first under new head coach Jeff Blashill — with a gritty 3-1 victory over the Utah Mammoth.
It wasn’t pretty, but it was earned through structure, sacrifice, and strong goaltending from Spencer Knight.
This was not a highlight-reel win, but one that showed character. The Hawks protected the front of the net, managed the puck smarter, and found a way to win — something they usually failed to do last season.
Through four games, their record now sits at 1-2-1, but all four have been meaningful efforts with competitive play and team buy-in.
1️⃣ First Period – Quiet Start, Strong Structure
The first period felt more like a chess match than a hockey game. Each team managed just a handful of chances, with Chicago holding a 6-5 edge in shots. Both clubs had one power play and failed to convert.
Blashill mentioned afterward that the ice was rough, and managing the puck became the key:
“When the ice isn’t great, you just have to manage it better. You’re not going to make as many clean plays. That’s part of winning habits.”
Despite low event hockey, the Hawks looked more organized defensively — protecting the middle, staying above the puck, and controlling second efforts.
2️⃣ Second Period – Knight Holds the Fort
Utah dominated possession, outshooting Chicago 13-3, but Spencer Knight was the difference. Calm, square, and efficient, he gave the team confidence.
Halfway through the period, Chicago struck first. Jason Dickinson, back in the lineup after missing one game, found Ilya Mikheyev behind the net, and the veteran winger jammed it under the pad for his first goal of the season at 9:21. Ryan Donato got the secondary assist.
Blashill’s decision to dress seven defensemen and eleven forwards paid off. Rookie Artyom Levshunov slotted back in, taking hits to make plays — including one that kept the puck alive before Mikheyev’s goal.
“He took a big hit to make that play,” Blashill said. “That’s a winning play.”
Chicago killed off Utah’s lone power play and carried a 1-0 lead into the third.
Last season, the Hawks were 20-4-6 when leading after 40 minutes — that trend held true.
3️⃣ Third Period – Grind It Out, Earn It
The Mammoth tied it just 62 seconds in when JJ Peterka slipped behind coverage after a scramble in front of the net. For a moment, it looked like another heartbreak night.
But on their second power play of the game, Chicago responded. Nick Foligno battled along the boards, won the puck, and fed André Burakovsky in the slot.
The veteran forward made no mistake, burying his second of the year — and doing it in style in his 700th NHL game — the game-winner at 11:05.
He made no mistake, burying his second of the year — the game-winner at 11:05.
The Hawks killed a late penalty to Connor Bedard, then sealed it with Mikheyev’s empty-netter with six seconds left.
The difference? Defensive discipline. The Hawks gave up only five shots in the final frame and protected the front of the net with purpose.
Overall Game
This was an ugly win, but one that showed the team’s growth. The top six forwards were quiet and didn’t generate much offense — neither Connor Bedard nor Frank Nazar registered a single shot on goal.
Instead, it was the third line that carried the team. Dickinson, Mikheyev, and Donato controlled the puck, forechecked hard, and played the right way all night. Their style set the tone for the group.
Utah dominated scoring chances and puck possession, but Chicago resisted the push by playing their most structured defensive game of the young season. Their penalty kill went a perfect 3-for-3, and the power play delivered at the right moment, finishing 1-for-3.
Through four games, Chicago sits at 1-2-1, but every game has been competitive. The Hawks have allowed only 11 goals in four games — a solid 2.75 goals against per game — a sign that Blashill’s defensive system is starting to take hold.
By the Numbers
| Category | Chicago | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 14 | 23 |
| Faceoff % | 45 | 55 |
| Power Play | 1 / 2 | 0 / 2 |
| Hits | 31 | 28 |
| Blocked Shots | 16 | 13 |
| Giveaways | 6 | 8 |
| Takeaways | 10 | 7 |
| Metric | Chicago | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| CF% | 31.5 | 68.5 |
| xGF% | 43.9 | 56.1 |
| HDCF% | 43.7 | 56.3 |
Individual Stats
- Ilya Mikheyev: 2 G, +2, 3 SOG
- André Burakovsky: 1 G (GWG), 2 SOG
- Jason Dickinson: 1 A, 3 SOG, 47.1 FO%
- Connor Bedard: 0 PTS, 20:49 TOI, 83.3 FO%
- Frank Nazar: 0 PTS, 17:06 TOI, 40 FO%
- Colton Dach: 7 hits
- Wyatt Kaiser: 21:49 TOI, 3 hits
- Spencer Knight: 22 saves on 23 shots (.957 SV%)
Three Takeaways
1️⃣ Spencer Knight Stands Tall When It Matters Most
Knight’s composure in the second period saved this game. He made key stops through traffic and never lost control of his rebounds. Without him, this could’ve easily been another “good effort, no result” night.
2️⃣ Third Line Changes the Game
The Dickinson–Mikheyev–Donato line was easily Chicago’s best. They drove play (72.2% Corsi), created six of seven high-danger chances, and scored the opening goal.
Dickinson’s return stabilized both the middle ice and the team’s forecheck pressure.
3️⃣ Defensive Structure and Compete Level
Blashill’s 7-defensemen strategy worked perfectly. Kaiser was once again the most consistent blueliner, and Levshunov made the kind of smart, small plays Blashill wants from young defensemen.
The Hawks finally looked like a team buying into the system — managing the puck, boxing out, and protecting the slot.
Three Stars of the Game
1️⃣ André Burakovsky – Game-winning goal, power play spark, leadership moment in the third.
2️⃣ Ilya Mikheyev – Two goals, key defensive support, relentless effort.
3️⃣ Spencer Knight – 22 saves, .957 SV%, calm and composed in every big moment.
Final Thought
This was not a pretty game — it was an ugly win. But for a young team learning how to close, it was an important step. The Hawks protected the front of the net, made the right reads in the defensive zone, and capitalized when it mattered.
Coach Blashill’s system of accountability and detail is starting to show. As he said postgame, “You can’t just be close — you have to find ways to win.”
The Hawks did exactly that.
Next Game
Wednesday @ St. Louis Blues – 8:30 PM CDT
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