If you asked a Chicago Blackhawks fan to describe their three-game road trip last week — losses at Florida, Tampa Bay and Carolina — in one word, you may get answers like disastrous, inept, awful. There are plenty others, but the point is, it wasn’t good.
After almost a week of turmoil from head coach Jeff Blashill’s job security being called into question and trade rumors circulating, the Hawks look to bounce back and put an end to their six-game skid when they return to the United Center on Thursday night to face the Buffalo Sabres, the first of a four-game home stand. Spencer Knight started in goal for the Hawks against Buffalo’s Alex Lyon, who made his first start of the season. The game also marked the return to the lineup of Patrick Kane.
First period
The Sabres opened the scoring at the 8:58 mark when Owen Power scored his third of the season on a one-timer on the blocker side. The Hawks lost a board battle in the offensive zone and Jack Quinn skated into the Hawks’ zone. Quinn fed Josh Norris, who put a backhand pass right on the tape of Power, who fired it in to give Buffalo a 1-0 lead.
Frank Nazar tied the game at 1-1 with a power-play goal. A patient Connor Bedard handled the puck by the half boards before firing the puck across the goal mouth, and Nazar deflected it in for his sixth of the season at 12:22.
CONNOR TO FRANK?!? ON CONDUCTOR GUY THURSDAY?!?! https://t.co/M4AjEuSIc6
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 13, 2026
The Sabres regained the lead with a power-play goal from Tage Thompson, who scored his 12th of the season. With Kane off for hooking, Rasmus Dahlin fired a pass from the defensive zone to Thompson near the blue line and he skated in to the right of the Hawks’ net and fired a wrist shot past Knight at 15:46. The Hawks trailed the Sabres 2-1 after 20 minutes.
Second period
It was a scoreless second period, as the Hawks tightened things up defensively, however, they could not get the equalizer. The Sabres led 2-1 after two periods.
Third period
The Hawks tied it at 2-2 when Nazar scored his second of the game and seventh of the season. The line of Nazar, Kane and Oliver Moore along with Sam Rinzel generated some offensive zone pressure. Rinzel shot the puck on net and Nazar deflected it in at 8:22.
run it back 91 ‼️ https://t.co/vVIVTtzpPk
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 13, 2026
With the scored tied 2-1, the Hawks got a late power play with less than two minutes to go in regulation but could not convert, so the game went to overtime.
Overtime
Ryan Donato won it in overtime with a wrist shot from the slot for his third of the season at 3:12. The Hawks snapped their six-game losing streak.
DONATO OVERTIME WINNER!!! https://t.co/ax98UEnYmy
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 13, 2026
Analysis
The Hawks certainly responded from all the adversity built up since returning home last weekend from their recent road trip. A few practices and a vote of confidence from General Manager Kyle Davidson later, the Hawks put forth a solid effort against a strong Sabres team. The Hawks were consistently responsible defensively and in the neutral zone. While they went through some dry spells offensively, the Hawks hung in and were rewarded with the win.
The Hawks return to home ice on Saturday afternoon when they face the Winnipeg Jets. Puck drop is at 2:30 p.m. CST on CHSN with the radio call on 720 AM WGN.