![RECAP: Blackhawks complete comeback in overtime against Sharks RECAP: Blackhawks complete comeback in overtime against Sharks](https://i0.wp.com/www.the-rink.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/75-4-e1711304876729.jpeg?fit=1322%2C990&ssl=1)
While most of us were sleeping, the Chicago Blackhawks completed their biggest regular season comeback since 2009 against the Calgary Flames. The Hawks were down 4–0 to the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night with 1:24 left to go in the second period and won at the 18-second mark in overtime.
Here is the lineup that completed the comeback.
Blackhawks are back to 12F/6D with their lines vs Sharks:
TJohnson-Bedard-Kurashev
Foligno-Dickinson-Anderson
Reichel-Athanasiou-Raddysh
Slaggert-Entwistle-DonatoVlasic-Jones
Korchinski-Megna
Kaiser-ZaitsevMrazek starting
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 23, 2024
First period
In the first period, the Sharks jumped out to a 2–0 lead on two goals from Thomas Bordeleau. Scott Powers of The Athletic called the period among the worst of the season for the visitors.
That was one of the Blackhawks’ worst periods of the season. The Sharks had a 16-3 advantage in scoring chances in 5v5, per @NatStatTrick.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) March 24, 2024
Second period
In the second period, fans who were watching this game were questioning on why they were still awake, as the Sharks extended their lead to 4–0. Fabian Zetterlund scored his 19th goal of the season 16 seconds into the period. He then added his 20th goal on power play less than a minute later. The lead remained 4–0 until the scrappy Ryan Donato finally got the Blackhawks’ offense on the board.
Donato crashed the net after Taylor Raddysh fired a puck from up high.
A slick series of passes leads to a Ryan Donato goal, and the #Blackhawks are on the board! pic.twitter.com/yTTfGHxBxg
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) March 24, 2024
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The Hawks were not done scoring this period, as Tyler Johnson got on the score sheet. Johnson has taken exception in how the Sharks have been treating Connor Bedard and made them pay with a goal.
Dare we believe in comebacks? Tyler Johnson scores and the #Blackhawks have cut the Sharks’ lead in half pic.twitter.com/BixN290vG7
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) March 24, 2024
The Johnson goal was set up by Donato working hard along the boards. Donato was instrumental in the Hawks’ first two goals of the comeback.
Third period
In the third period, the Hawks took advantage of a delayed penalty call. As Petr Mrazek went to the bench, the Hawks brought on the extra attacker. Recently recalled Wyatt Kaiser fed a pass to Seth Jones, who buried a shot to cut the margin to one.
Seth Joooooooooooooneeeeeesssssssss pic.twitter.com/9QsvfESthx
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 24, 2024
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With less than a minute remaining, the Hawks potted the equalizer. Donato and Nick Foligno were working hard along the boards. Foligno got it to Donato, who put the puck toward the net and Philipp Kurashev put the puck in.
Guys….the #Blackhawks have scored four unanswered goals and we have a TIED GAME in San Jose! #RallyPuppies pic.twitter.com/xmpDBpHLcu
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) March 24, 2024
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Overtime
In the overtime, the Blackhawks did not wait long to cap off the comeback. In the 3-on-3, Kurashev found Jones, who fired a shot past Devin Cooley to end the game.
And THAT IS A BLACKHAWKS WINNER!!!!! #RallyPuppies pic.twitter.com/t3YqQLHv0V
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) March 24, 2024
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Analysis
In the grand scheme of things, this win does nothing but make certain that San Jose will have the league’s worst record. However, this win is a symbol of how the Blackhawks play under Luke Richardson. With nothing but pride left to play for in this game, the Hawks could have folded in the second period, but instead, scrappy veterans like Donato and Johnson gave them a chance to come back.
Donato was an unheralded signing at the time but has paid dividends this season. He brings a scrappy effort every night and can play up and down the lineup.
In addition to Donato playing a scrappy game, Lukas Reichel was noticeable for one of the first times all season. He was battling for the puck and using his body. He had a nice pass to Landon Slaggert in the first period that nearly gave Slaggert his first NHL goal. This is the type of play the Hawks need from Reichel.
Jones, the much-maligned defenseman, had another stellar offensive night to propel the Blackhawks to victory.
The Blackhawks’ next game is against the Flames at the United Center. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. CDT.