After rallying with four unanswered goals to beat St. Louis on Saturday, the Hawks carried that momentum into St. Paul, showing speed, structure, and offensive punch behind a breakout performance from Frank Nazar, who scored his first professional hat trick.
This game had the feel of a regular season contest: a mostly NHL-ready lineup for Chicago against a Minnesota squad that iced a thinner roster.
While the Wild pushed hard late, the Blackhawks’ young defense corps held firm, and goaltender Drew Commesso stood tall, turning aside 28 of 29 shots (.966 save percentage).
First Period – Nazar Strikes Early
Chicago wasted little time setting the tone. Eight minutes into the game, the Hawks earned their first power play, and the top unit delivered.
After Tyler Bertuzzi kept the puck alive at the blue line, he fed Teuvo Teräväinen, who threaded a perfect backdoor pass to Nazar.
The 20-year-old center buried it with confidence, giving Chicago a 1–0 lead and flashing the offensive instincts that made him a top pick.
Drew Commesso faced only six shots in the opening frame but looked composed. The Blackhawks held an 18–8 shot attempt edge, and the Donato–Bedard–Burakovsky line showed early chemistry, generating quality looks and even ringing a post.
Second Period – Nazar Doubles Down
Just 80 seconds into the middle frame, Nazar struck again. Taking a pass from Bertuzzi in stride, he ripped a shot past Filip Gustavsson to double the lead.
Nazar’s speed and decisiveness were on full display — exactly what head coach Jeff Blashill had been pushing him to show more consistently.
Midway through the period, Minnesota clawed back. A bouncing puck landed on Tyler Pitlick’s stick, and he set up Hunter Haight for a quick tap-in to cut the deficit to 2–1.
The Blackhawks’ young defense, however, steadied the game. Wyatt Kaiser and Artyom Levshunov led the team in ice time through two periods (14+ minutes each) and impressed with their poise under pressure.
Kevin Korchinski also made sharp outlet passes, while Nolan Allan brought a physical edge with five hits on the night.
Third Period – Closing the Door
The third period tested Chicago’s defensive resolve. Alex Vlasic left the game early in the frame with a lower-body injury (later announced as day-to-day), forcing the Hawks to lean heavily on their young blue line. Kaiser responded with his best hockey, skating over 25 minutes total and playing more than half of the final period. He not only defended well but chipped in offensively with two assists.
At 7:31, Ryan Donato buried a backhand feed from Connor Bedard to restore a two-goal cushion. From there, Minnesota pressed hard — firing 16 shots in the third alone — but Commesso slammed the door, showcasing both composure and positioning. With Gustavsson pulled in the final minute, Nazar sealed the game with an empty-netter, completing his first hat trick in a Blackhawks sweater.
Quotes of the Night
Head Coach Jeff Blashill on Nazar:
“He played really good tonight and deserved the goals he got. He was really skating — another level compared to earlier in camp.
That’s the level that’s led to his success at the end of last season and in the World Championships. It’s a sign of good things to come.”
Blashill on Commesso:
“Drew played really well. I’ve watched him a long time and he’s efficient, makes people beat him, and he did a great job of that tonight — especially late when things got hairy in the third.”
Nazar on his hat trick:
“It definitely feels good. I know it doesn’t really count, but after getting shut out in Detroit, it’s nice to execute and finish my chances today.
Honestly, I’m just lucky to play with guys like Bert and Teuvo who put me in great spots. I’m focusing on the process, but it’s always fun to see results.”
Stats That Stood Out
- Frank Nazar: 3 goals (1 PPG, 1 EV, 1 ENG), +2, 4 shots
- Ryan Donato: 1 goal, +1
- Connor Bedard: 1 assist, 5 shots + 1
- Wyatt Kaiser: 2 assists, +3, 25:30 TOI (team high)
- Artyom Levshunov: 22:34 TOI, +2
- Drew Commesso: 28 saves on 29 shots (.966)
- Nolan Allan: 18:18 TOI, 5 hits
- Rinzel: 21:49 TOI, 3 blocked shots, 1 assist
- Bertuzzi & Teravainen: 2 points + 2
Chicago also finished 1-for-2 on the power play and killed off both Wild power plays.
Three Takeaways
1. Top Six Taking Shape
The Bedard–Donato–Burakovsky trio showed dangerous chemistry, while Nazar’s line with Bertuzzi and Teräväinen looked explosive.
With both units producing and creating chances, Chicago’s top six suddenly looks capable of driving play and giving opponents matchup problems.
2. Young Defense Impresses Again
Even with Vlasic sidelined, the young defensive core — Kaiser, Levshunov, Korchinski, Rinzel, and Allan — held strong.
They made mistakes, sure, but they showed maturity and poise under pressure. If the Blackhawks’ goaltending provides steady play, the team can afford to let this young blue line grow together.
3. The Foligno Question
Captain Nick Foligno brings leadership, but his speed continues to lag. With only four goals in his last 40 games and signs of slowing down, his role may shrink.
A fourth-line spot with Lafferty and Slaggert makes sense, but don’t be shocked if younger players like Moore or Dach eventually push him into a depth or scratch role.
Final Thoughts
The Blackhawks leave the weekend with two straight wins, scoring eight goals across back-to-back games while icing different rosters.
More importantly, their core young players — Nazar, Bedard, Kaiser, Levshunov, Rinzel — all delivered strong performances.
Yes, it’s only preseason. Yes, Minnesota iced a watered-down lineup. But for a rebuilding franchise, these games are about habits, confidence, and development. Right now, Chicago is checking all three boxes.
With roster cuts and lineup decisions looming, Blashill faces tough choices — especially on defense. But one thing is clear: the kids are ready to push.
Home › Forums › Nazar Hatty Leads Hawks To Win Over Wild