The Chicago Blackhawks squared off against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night. While Canes entered the season as the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Hawks seem destined for another lottery pick. In the game, the Hawks did get a goal from Roman Kantserov, his first NHL goal. Sadly, Kanterov’s goal was not enough to overcome the relentless Canes.
First period
On the offensive side, Chicago had two separate A+ changes from Wyatt Kaiser and Nick Lardis. Brandon Bussi of Carolina was able to hold the Hawks scoreless.
For the majority of the period, Spencer Knight stood tall in the Hawks’ net. With the period winning down, Mark Jankowski scored a breakaway goal to give the Carolina the lead. Sam Rinzel committed a costly error at the blue line.
Second period
With the Blackhawks on the power play, Bowen Byram breaks his stick at the point. He then chose to get back on defense. With Byram stickless, the Canes capitalized. Sebastian Aho took advantage on the play and scored top shelf over Knight.
Later in the period, Logan Stankoven took the puck to the net. Knight deflected the Stankoven shot back to the Carolina forward, and he then found a wide-open Jackson Blake. Blake fired the shot in for the Canes’ third goal of the game.
With Chicago down 3-0, Kantserov stole the puck at the blue line and then was off to the races.
GOAL: Roman Kantserov scores his FIRST NHL GOAL on a breakaway! https://t.co/XspQsbWnu1
— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) October 11, 2026
The Canes were not done yet in the second period. Taylor Hall ripped a shot past Knight to make the score 4-2.
Third period
Carolina got its fifth goal from Jordan Martinook on a simple backhanded shot.
Late in the third period, Oliver Moore scored the Hawks’ second goal of the game.
Oliver Moore bats the puck out of mid-air for his 2nd goal of the season. #Blackhawks https://t.co/nSNcB51Nee
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 11, 2026
The Hawks fell 5-2.
Analysis
The Hawks lost another game to a superior team. The defense is still an adventure in their own zone and they have not found other scoring options without Connor Bedard. While familar face Eddie Olczyk asked fans not to judge the team without Bedard, how can we not judge them?
Yes, this team was built around Bedard and not having him is a huge blow, but can’t the team play more competitive hockey? With the franchise approaching Jeremy Colliton level of embarrassment, all eyes are focused on Jeff Blashill and Kyle Davidson.
Blashill tried to assure people this team is going to win, but he wasn’t clear if it would be this season. With Bedard hopefully returning soon, Blashill better hope they start winning this year, otherwise, he will join Colliton on the list of former Blackhawks head coaches.
The Blackhawks next game is Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m. CDT.