The Chicago Blackhawks found a way to finish strong Sunday night at the United Center, earning a 2-1 overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks. After a heartbreaking equalizer late in regulation, Ryan Donato stepped up in sudden death to give the Hawks their first overtime victory of the season.
Two young teams went head-to-head — both showing flashes of skill but also the inconsistency of early-season hockey. The Ducks came into Chicago starting a five-game road trip, while the Hawks were playing their seventh game in just 12 days.
The Game Story
After two scoreless periods, the game finally opened up in the third. Frank Nazar broke the deadlock at 9:43, following up on a rebound after Wyatt Kaiser hit the crossbar with a one-timer. It was a pure effort goal — the kind of greasy finish that coaches love to see.
But with just 36 seconds left, the Ducks tied it 1-1. Mason McTavish took advantage of a 6-on-4 power play, roofing a short-side shot over Spencer Knight, who had been brilliant all night.
Instead of collapsing, the Hawks regrouped — and this time they finished. At 2:58 of overtime, Donato and Bedard created a textbook 3-on-1 rush.
Donato passed across to Bedard for a one-timer that Lukas Dostal stopped, but Bedard stayed on the puck, battled behind the net, and fed Donato back in front for the easy tap-in winner.
“Connor won another battle and stuck with it,” said Donato. “He’s been all over it tonight. Just a nice tap-in at the end.”
That goal sealed Chicago’s fourth win of the season, improving their record to 3-2-2.
Knight vs Dostal: Goalie Duel
If you love goaltending, this game had plenty. Both Spencer Knight and Lukas Dostal were terrific from start to finish.
• Knight made 38 saves, celebrating his 100th NHL game with poise and calm under pressure.
• Dostal stopped 28 of 30, including a highlight save on Bedard in overtime before Donato buried the rebound.
After 40 minutes, the Ducks had 26 shots and the Hawks 16, but both goalies kept the game scoreless.
The first period alone saw 26 shots total — 16 from Anaheim, 10 from Chicago — yet only two high-danger chances from the Ducks.
“You could say we’re losing these close games,” Knight said after the win. “But that’s what the NHL is — one-goal games, tight battles. It’s a privilege to be in those moments.”
Lessons Learned in Overtime
Earlier this month, the Hawks lost overtime games in Boston and Vancouver after poor puck decisions.
This time, Coach Jeff Blashill’s message stuck.
“We talked this morning about 3-on-3 — smart line changes, valuing possession, picking the right moments,” Blashill said. “And we executed that tonight.”
You could see it in how composed Chicago looked in OT: they valued every touch, didn’t force plays, and trusted their structure.
Game Notes
• Both teams dressed 11 forwards and 7 defensemen.
• The Ducks used Ian Moore in a hybrid D/F role.
• Jason Dickinson sat out with a minor injury.
• Landon Slaggert made his season debut for Chicago (7:32 TOI, one shot).
• All four Chicago losses this season have been by a single goal.
Game Stats
| Category | Chicago | Anaheim |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Goal | 30 | 39 |
| Shot Attempts | 60 | 68 |
| Faceoff % | 55.6% | 44.4% |
| Hits | 26 | 30 |
| Blocked Shots | 12 | 9 |
| Giveaways | 18 | 18 |
| Takeaways | 5 | 8 |
| Corsi For % (CF%) | 47.42% | 52.58% |
| Expected Goals For % (xGF%) | 50.94% | 49.06% |
| High-Danger Chances (HDCF%) | 50% (9) | 50% (9) |
By the Numbers:
Ryan Donato – 1G (3), 1A (2), 2 PTS (5), +2, TOI 14:06, GWG, 2 SOG, 5 Shot Attempts
Frank Nazar – 1G (3), 1 PTS (7), TOI 21:21, 3 SOG, FO% 58.8%
Connor Bedard – 1A (5), 1 PTS (7), TOI 24:37, 11 Shot Attempts, 9 SOG, FO% 28.6%
Alex Vlasic – TOI 24:57, 4 Blocked Shots, 2 Hits
Sam Rinzel – 1A (2), 1 PTS (3), +2, TOI 23:14, 2 SOG, 6 Hits
Wyatt Kaiser – 1A (2), 1 PTS (2), TOI 19:50
Spencer Knight – 1 GA on 39 Shots, .974 SV%, named one of the 3 Stars of the Game
3 Stars of the Game:
⭐ Spencer Knight (.974 SV%)
⭐⭐ Ryan Donato (1G, 1A, 2PTS)
⭐⭐⭐ Frank Nazar (1G, 1PTS)
My 3 Takeaways
1. Spencer Knight Shines Again
I feel like I’m repeating myself every game, but once again Spencer Knight delivered one of the best goaltending performances of the 2025-26 season. He’s the main reason the Blackhawks won this game.
The only goal he allowed came through a heavy screen from his own defenseman — he simply never saw it.
Knight was tested early and often, stopping 16 shots in the first period and seven more in the second. The puck was bouncing, and both teams struggled with passing, but Knight kept Chicago alive.
He stopped the first 35 shots he faced and had no real chance on the tying goal late in regulation. After five starts this season, Knight owns a 2-2-1 record, a 1.96 GAA, and an outstanding .937 SV% (3rd in the NHL).
2. Sam Rinzel Did It Again
Sam Rinzel continues to impress. He’s playing like a veteran and getting better every single game. On Sunday, he logged 23:14 of ice time and dished out six hits, his highest total this season, giving Coach Blashill big, quality minutes.
This was likely the most physical game of his young career. Rinzel threw a massive hip check in the neutral zone early in the third period — the kind of old-school play that lifts the bench.
He led the team with four hits through two periods and added two more in the third. His confidence and composure are growing with each shift.
3. Connor Bedard Is Different This Season
Connor Bedard’s compete level is off the charts. He played 24:37 in this one — his second straight game over 24 minutes — and is averaging 21:40 per game, nearly a minute and a half more than last season.
Through seven games, he’s produced 7 points (3G, 4A) and fired 19 shots on goal, putting him on pace for 223 SOG and over 400 shot attempts this year.
He’s hungry, determined, and wants the puck every shift. It’s not always perfect — he still has long shifts, faceoff struggles, and some defensive lapses — but the progress is undeniable.
Bedard is growing into a true NHL star, and at this pace, he’s on track for an 82-point season.
My Final Thought
The Blackhawks still need to limit shots against — they can’t keep giving up 16 per period — but they’re learning how to manage the puck better and stay patient in close games.
Their transition game looked sharper tonight, and their composure in overtime showed real growth.
Connor Bedard continues to impress — nine shots on goal, relentless on every shift, and now making the right plays at the right time.
Fun game to watch. The Hawks are growing, learning, and starting to believe they can win these tight matchups.
Next Game
The Chicago Blackhawks will be back in action on Thursday, October 23, as they head to Tampa Bay to face the Lightning.
Puck drop is scheduled for 6:45 PM (EDT)
KEEP READING:
Blackhawks Still Learning And Developing
Blackhawks 2025-26 Preview: Pain Now, Promise Later
Looking for discussion? Check out our forums section and weigh in on what’s happening around the NHL!
Thanks for the summary Coach. The only thing I had an issue with was that you said their transition game looked sharper tonight. There were instances of better transition, but I thought overall, they were very sloppy in transition.
Lots of “hope” passes, and the defensemen in particular struggled in that area. I’m not unhappy with them overall as they are still a very young team. That said, there is still a lot to clean up for them.
Welcome, Chunk!
You’re absolutely right — I should’ve said their transition game still needs a lot of work. On paper, the analytics looked a bit better than in the Canucks game, but on the ice, the execution just wasn’t there. Too many “hope” passes, and the defensemen clearly struggled moving the puck cleanly.
I also agree with you — this is still a young team learning how to manage those details. When I rewatched the game, I was a bit concerned about the TOI for Bedard and Rinzel. Blashill needs to settle into a more balanced setup with four full lines and six defensemen. Four D-men played under 13 minutes — and you can tell they’re not comfortable with the seven-defensemen rotation, even if it’s working for now.
And yes, they’ve got to figure out Reichel’s situation sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, Oliver Moore is playing great in Rockford — give him another month and he might earn that call-up.
Thanks again for your thoughtful comment, Chunk — always appreciate great hockey insight like that!
Is it possible Rinzel and Bedard played so much because they are off for the next 3-4 days?
Not sure… though both of them played in overtime too.
But one thing’s clear — Blashill really trusts both of them.
I read somewhere that 11/7 will be the norm for the time being. Blashill said he likes it because if one of the young D-men is struggling, they can lean on the others and not overwhelm the kid.
Gryz, Lev, and Crevier were under 13 mins. Murphy was about 15. Kaiser (19:50), Vlasic and Rinzel were basically 20+. Some of it probably had to be due to the 5 PK’s and 3 PP’s, but it is not a full explanation.
I don’t know what the thought is with the forwards. Reichel and Slaggert played 8 shifts when they dressed 11 F’s. Not really a long term setup. The Canucks game was a little better spread of time among the players. When Foligno and Dickinson come back, there are just too many guys to deal with. They are scratching Lafferty every game. He is this year’s Craig Smith. Just an extra guy that doesn’t need to be there.
Reflecting on the game, Kaiser has been just fantastic, it’s like watching a young QB and his anticipation catches up to the speed of the game.
His ability to read plays at the NHL level is just getting better and better.
This is why you let them develop, his value is growing by the game.
I also like that the Blackhawks can play this grind it out good defensive type of game.
I think the transition will come, i see signs of it when they know what to do with the puck before they get it, but when they hesitate they struggle for sure.
I agree with you Chunk Miky has been fantastic, if I’m KD I’m in contract negotiations with his agent right now.
I’m not sure. He’s turning 32, and this is likely his last NHL contract. At this point, he’s clearly looking for a payday. That said, his trade value at the deadline could be strong if he stays healthy and productive. If I’m Kyle Davidson, I’d definitely wait until then to make a move.
Good comment, DOT — solid observation as always.
You know many consider Connor to have one of the best shots in the league, but you know these goalies are so damn good how many near misses did Connor have? 4, 5, 6?
That’s why as SOG go I’m not that concerned if it’s on the side of the ice the goalie is on, the killer is when you change the angle especially across the middle of the ice is where so many goals are scored.
Even McTavish shot, it had to be perfect because Knight had 90% of the angle covered.
Yeah, the D is just better and quicker overall, getting to loose pucks, passing, making choices. That coupled with good goaltending has made these closer games. Other than the 8 goal outburst, the offense is depending on a high shot percentage, I believe. However, they are still getting their wheels. Again, the D is getting more shots on net and I’ve seen quick a few D men getting off good shots on the rush. Very entertaining hockey compared to last year,
Finishing my thought or you leave to much time and space which the Blackhawks have been doing a great job of taking away.
You said that the Hawks won their fourth game of the season and then listed their record as 3-2-2. Is this the math? I thought it was an exciting game and look forward to more. I still think Lev would benefit with some time in the Rock. He looks uncertain out there. Do you know how much TOI he has had the last couple of games?
I meant to say the new math.
Well it was a struggle to get in here ,but I think I am good now .Nice to see some familiar names .I like what I have seen so far of the HAWKS .Knight has been fantastic .The young guys have a ways to go ,but seem to be on the right track . GO HAWKS !!