The Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks came into Halloween’s big matchup feeling good about their game. Each was coming off recent games that saw them end long-losing streaks.
Both of these teams are lottery teams again but there is a sense of pride when they match up these days. That is especially true with it being early in the season.
A couple of weeks ago, the Hawks hosted the San Jose Sharks at United Center for the home opener. Chicago won that contest 4-2 after thoroughly outplaying them.
At that moment in time, the Hawks looked like they were miles ahead of the Sharks but the truth is that they aren’t. Both feel improved over last year but that isn’t saying anything impressive because they were both truly bad in 2023-24.
On Halloween night, this spooky matchup took place at SAP Center in San Jose. The Sharks were looking for revenge and they got it with a 3-2 victory over Chicago.
2023 4th overall pick Will Smith kicked things off with his first NHL goal. With Connor Bedard in the building (who went #1 in the same draft), Smith had some extra juice.
It didn’t take long for Chicago to respond with a goal of their own. Ryan Donato stayed hot with his team-leading 6th goal of the season. He is off to a great start and should blow past all of his previous offensive career highs.
About a minute after that, Tyler Bertuzzi gave the Hawks a 2-1 lead. Bertuzzi’s first even-strength point of the season helped his team go to the intermission up one. He’s been impressive on the power play so far this season but the Hawks need the even strength points to keep on coming.
Things went wrong for the Hawks in the second period. Alexander Wennberg tied the game just 1:30 into the middle frame. San Jose came out of the break with a certain mindset and they executed.
About halfway through the period, the Sharks converted on the power play. Will Smith scored his second goal of the game and second of his NHL career. The floodgates are open for the former Boston College star.
There was no scoring in the third period despite a ton of looks for Chicago. Between good play at even strength and a couple of power play chances, they looked like they were going to get the game tied but San Jose stood strong.
The Hawks are in trouble. Not getting a win over San Jose and starting a winning streak isn’t ideal. Instead, the Sharks are on a three-game win streak all of a sudden.
Chicago’s trip through California continues on Saturday with an afternoon match against the Los…