Back-to-Back Battles: Blackhawks Take One, Drop One in Shootout Drama
The Chicago Blackhawks just wrapped up a gritty back-to-back stretch that saw them steal a win in Raleigh and come up short in a shootout at home against Tampa Bay. Two games, two shootouts, and a whole lot of resilience - especially between the pipes.
Let’s break down what went down on the ice and why this young Hawks squad, despite some growing pains, continues to show flashes of the future.
Thursday in Raleigh: Moore’s Birthday Bash Ends in Shootout Glory
Heading into Carolina is no easy task - the Hurricanes have been a buzzsaw at home this season. But the Blackhawks didn’t flinch.
They opened the scoring in the first period with a beauty from Ilya Mikheyev. Shorthanded, no less.
Mikheyev picked a pocket and took it coast to coast, finishing with the kind of confidence that makes you forget he’s not known for offense-first plays.
Of course, the Canes didn’t wait long to respond. Joel Nystrom answered right back, and just like that, the tone was set - this was going to be a back-and-forth kind of night.
In the second, the Hawks put together one of their slickest sequences of the season. Oliver Moore wheeled wide, pulled off a spinning feed to Ryan Donato, who found Nick Lardis for the one-timer.
Tape-to-tape, tic-tac-toe, and into the back of the net. That’s the kind of goal that makes the highlight reel and the coaching staff smile.
But Carolina, as they often do, pushed back. Jordan Staal knotted things up again, and then things got spicy.
After a hit on Lardis, Moore dropped the gloves with Alexander Nikishin. Let’s just say it didn’t go Moore’s way - he hit the ice after a couple of stiff punches - but the message was sent.
Moore wasn’t just celebrating his 21st birthday; he was showing he’s willing to stand up for his teammates.
The third period belonged to Frank Nazar. He didn’t score, but he was everywhere - creating chances, pushing pace, and looking like the most dangerous skater on the ice.
The Hawks grabbed the lead when Connor Murphy showed off some unexpected finesse, dancing through Carolina’s defense and tucking one past Frederik Andersen. It was a highlight-reel goal from a defenseman more known for his grit than his mitts.
But again, the Canes had an answer. Jackson Blake tied it less than a minute later, setting the stage for overtime.
Nothing doing in the extra frame, so it came down to the shootout. And fittingly, it was Moore - the birthday boy - who sealed it.
After notching an assist, dropping the gloves, and playing with energy all night, he capped it off by burying the game-winner in the shootout. Call it a Gordie-Howe-ish hat trick with a modern twist.
Friday in Chicago: A Familiar Face Delivers the Dagger
Less than 24 hours later, the Hawks were back on home ice against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jason Dickinson returned to the lineup after an illness, and Arvid Soderblom got the nod in net. And while the Hawks were outplayed early, they found themselves up 1-0 after the first thanks to Ryan Greene, who pounced on a Tampa miscue and made them pay.
But the Lightning kept pressing. Nikita Kucherov finally broke through late in the second, and from there, it became a chess match.
The third period was all Blackhawks - they controlled the puck, dictated the pace, and looked like the better team. But they couldn’t solve Tampa’s goaltending.
Overtime was a flurry of chances on both ends, but again, no one could break through. So, for the second straight night, it came down to the shootout.
Nazar and Louis Crevier scored for the Hawks. Kucherov and Gage Goncalves answered for the Bolts.
Then came the final showdown: Dominic James vs. Soderblom.
The twist? James was a former Blackhawks draft pick who chose free agency over signing with the team.
With the game on his stick, he ripped a wrister past Soderblom to win it for Tampa.
That one had to sting.
Takeaways: Goaltending Steals the Show, Nazar Heating Up
Let’s start in the crease. Both Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom were excellent in their starts.
Knight held off a relentless Carolina attack, while Soderblom arguably had his best outing of the season against Tampa. If the Hawks can keep getting this kind of goaltending, they’ll be in a lot more games than they probably should be.
Frank Nazar was another bright spot. He’s looked faster, more confident, and more dangerous with the puck in recent games. Whatever nagging injury was slowing him down earlier in the season seems to be in the rearview mirror.
Connor Bedard had a mixed bag of a back-to-back. He was noticeable and active against Carolina but faded into the background against Tampa. That’s going to happen with young stars - consistency is still a work in progress.
The bigger issue? The Blackhawks still need to find a way to start games stronger.
They’ve been leaning on their goaltenders to bail them out far too often. Playing from behind or on their heels isn’t a sustainable formula, especially against playoff-caliber teams.
Up Next: Panthers on Deck
The Hawks get a bit of rest before facing the Florida Panthers on Sunday night. Puck drops at 6 p.m.
CST. If they can bottle up the energy from those third periods and get off to a better start, they’ve got a shot to keep building momentum.
Two games, two shootouts, and a team that’s still figuring it out - but showing signs they’re getting closer.