The Chicago Blackhawks aren’t perfect, but they’re finding ways to win. That same relentless attitude carried them to a 3–2 victory Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena.
It wasn’t flawless — Spencer Knight’s consistent brilliance continues to cover mistakes, and a few bounces went Chicago’s way.
But the difference is effort, structure, and belief. The Hawks are learning to close games — and they’re building an identity around it.
First Period — Hawks Strike, Lightning Press
Both teams had two power plays in the opening frame, but only Chicago capitalized. At 10:41, Frank Nazar (PPG) ripped a one-timer from the slot after a clean setup by Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teräväinen, giving the Hawks a 1–0 lead.
Tampa tilted the ice after that, outshooting Chicago 11–7 and leading 15–8 in 5-on-5 shot attempts, but Chicago stayed patient defensively.
The Hawks had a 2–1 edge in high-danger chances, blocking lanes and keeping Knight’s crease clean.
There was also controversy — Sam Rinzel was driven into the boards from behind, cutting above his left eye after his glasses shattered on impact.
Nick Foligno immediately stepped in, taking a roughing penalty while defending his young teammate — the kind of penalty every captain is proud to take.
Spencer Knight was dialed in from puck drop, stopping all 11 shots he faced in the first period, including a highlight-reel save on Nikita Kucherov from the slot.
Second Period — Tampa Pushes, Donato Responds
At 6:57, Jake Guentzel sets up in the shooting lane and deflects a shot into the back of the net, getting the game knotted up at 1
The Hawks answered quickly. Ryan Donato races into the zone and snaps a shot into the back of the cage, putting the Blackhawks back in the lead
But with 42 seconds left, McDonagh struck again — assisted by Kucherov and Brayden Point — tying the game 2–2 heading into the third.
Third Period — Missed Chances, Massive Finish
The Hawks opened the third with a 5-on-3 power play for 36 seconds, followed by another full man advantage, but couldn’t convert. Instead of losing focus, they elevated their play — outshooting Tampa 12–9 in the final period and controlling the pace late.
Then, with 54 seconds left, Ryan Donato skates into the zone and rips a rebound back into the net, giving the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead in the last minute of the 3rd period
“I was a little nervous when it came to me,” Donato said. “It was spinning so much I just told myself, ‘Don’t miss this.’”
Nazar, who finished with a goal and an assist, talked about the team’s growth:
“There’s been some hard times and some good times,” Nazar said. “But we’re learning from losses and mistakes — understanding what it takes to be mature and win.”
Knight closed it out with 29 saves on 31 shots, earning his third win and extending Chicago’s point streak to five games (4-0-1).
Team Stats
| Category | Blackhawks | Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Goal | 25 | 31 |
| Faceoff % | 39.2 % | 60.8 % |
| Power Play | 1 / 5 | 0 / 4 |
| Hits | 18 | 18 |
| Blocked Shots | 15 | 7 |
| Giveaways | 14 | 12 |
| Takeaways | 2 | 4 |
| CF % | 34.38 % | 65.63 % |
| xGF % | 35.13 % | 64.87 % |
| HDCF % | 52.94 % (9–8) | 47.06 % (8–9) |
Player Stats
| Player | G-A-PTS (Season Total) | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Donato | 2 G (4-5) — 2 PTS (6-7) | 4 SOG • GWG • +2 |
| Teuvo Teräväinen | 0 G 2 A (6-7) — 2 PTS (7-8) | TOI 20:41 • +2 |
| Frank Nazar | 1 G (PPG) (4) 1 A (5) — 2 PTS (8-9) | TOI 21:33 • 4 SOG |
| Spencer Knight | 29 saves on 31 shots — .935 SV % | Record 3-2-1 |
Three Stars of the Game
1️⃣ Ryan Donato — 2 G • 2 PTS • GWG
2️⃣ Ryan McDonagh — 1 G • 1 A • 2 PTS
3️⃣ Nikita Kucherov — 2 A • 2 PTS
Notes & Milestones
- Donato became the fourth Blackhawk in the past decade to score a go-ahead goal in the final minute of regulation: Connor Bedard (Dec. 15, 2024), Patrick Kane (Feb. 27, 2019), Duncan Keith (Apr. 4, 2018).
- Frank Nazar now has 4 points (3 G, 1 A) in his last four games.
- Vasilevskiy took his first career loss vs. Chicago (previously 13–0–0).
- Knight has posted a .910+ SV% in five of six starts and hasn’t allowed more than three goals in any game.
My 3 Takeaways
1️⃣ Ryan Donato Shines Again
Donato just keeps producing. He’s scored in four straight games and already has five goals in eight. His ability to finish late in games is elite — his game-winner with 54 seconds left showed patience, timing, and confidence.
He’s doing exactly what Jeff Blashill needs from him: be reliable, smart, and opportunistic. Can he hit 30+ goals again this season? The way he’s playing — absolutely.
2️⃣ Spencer Knight Did It Again
This might become a theme: “Knight did it again.”He’s the backbone of this group. He stopped all 11 shots in the first period, including a point-blank save on Kucherovthat was flat-out ridiculous.
Tampa’s first goal only happened because of a fluke bounce off traffic.
Knight’s record sits at 3–2–1, and he’s posted a .910+ SV% in five of six starts. He hasn’t given up more than three goals in any game this season. The confidence, calmness, and control — it’s all there.
3️⃣ Blackhawks Are Surprising Everybody
Let’s be honest — nobody had the Hawks sitting 4–2–2 after eight games, especially considering half their opponents made the playoffs last season.
It’s happening because of a complete team effort:
- Knight giving them elite goaltending
- Nazar’s early breakout (9 points)
- Bedard’s competitiveness
- Veterans like Donato, Teräväinen, and Mikheyev stepping up
- Young defenders like Kaiser and Rinzel showing poise under pressure
And behind it all, Jeff Blashill deserves massive credit. His 11-forward, 7-defensemen rotation is working. His system on both sides of the puck gives this team structure and purpose.
This group is playing inspired hockey — and it shows.
Final Thought
The Blackhawks are growing up fast. They’re not perfect, but they’re learning how to win close games and trust one another. The compete level, the belief, and the chemistry are real — and it’s starting to feel like something special is building in Chicago.
Next Game: Sunday, October 25 — vs. Los Angeles Kings at home, 7:00 PM EDT
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