Blackhawks Ride Power Play, Weather Oilers’ Storm to Earn First Win of Season
A Turning Point for the Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks’ power play, a major struggle during their first two games of the season, made a major difference in their third game and first win on Saturday. Teuvo Teravainen scored twice to help the Hawks convert all three of their man-advantage opportunities, and Petr Mrazek played brilliantly to help the Hawks weather a hearty third-period push and beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-2.
A Game-Changing Performance
Seth Jones recorded the Hawks’ first power-play goal of the season halfway through the second period, trickling a point shot through Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard’s five-hole. Connor Bedard sniped his first goal of the season over Pickard’s left shoulder three minutes later. The push from Oilers stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl still felt inevitable at that point, but the Hawks held on to maintain a multi-goal lead.
Pressure from the Oilers
A push from the Oilers in the third period, fueled by their stars, seemed inevitable. The Oilers finished with massive statistical advantages in shot attempts (91-37, with those 91 being the most the Hawks have allowed in a game since 2019) and scoring chances (42-18). The Hawks iced the puck a whopping nine times just to relieve pressure, but Mrazek’s 36 saves and Teravainen’s two markers helped the Hawks maintain their advantage.
A Season-Defining Win
"It’s a great feeling to get that first win under our belt," said coach Luke Richardson. "It’s not an easy league to win in, and we’re just going to keep grinding and see where it takes us. The guys hung in there tight against a really strong, powerful offensive team."
A Shift in Dynamics
The win snapped a six-game losing streak against the Oilers and marked a turning point for the Hawks, who improved to 1-1-1 heading into the final game of their four-game opening road trip.
Conclusion
The Blackhawks rode their power play and strong defensive play to earn their first win of the season. The victory may be a sign of things to come, as the team continues to gel and find their footing in the competitive NHL.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did the Blackhawks fare on their power play?
The Blackhawks scored twice on three man-advantage opportunities, with Teuvo Teravainen scoring twice. - What was the final score in the game?
The Blackhawks won 5-2 against the Edmonton Oilers. - How many shots did the Oilers attempt in the game?
The Oilers attempted 91 shots in the game, the most the Hawks have allowed since 2019.
