The Chicago Blackhawks celebrated their long-awaited return to victory on January 3, 2025, snapping a five-game losing streak with decisive 4-2 win against the visiting Montreal Canadiens at the United Center. This win not only lifted the team's spirits but also provided much-needed momentum as they continue their fight for playoffs.<\/p>
Nick Foligno was the star of the night, netting two goals to lead his team’s offensive charge. Arvid Soderblom, the Blackhawks' goaltender, showcased his skill by making 38 saves, proving to be the anchor of the team during moments of pressure. Tyler Bertuzzi and Patrick Maroon added to the scoreline, with each contributing significantly to the Blackhawks’ efforts to bounce back from their recent defeats.<\/p>
The game began with excitement as the Blackhawks quickly capitalized on their first power play opportunity. Bertuzzi opened the scoring at 3:21 of the first period, taking advantage of the Canadiens’ penalties. He received a nice pass from Teuvo Teravainen, allowing him to score effortlessly with a tap-in shot. This early lead gave the Blackhawks the jolt of energy they needed to build from.<\/p>
Just before the first period ended, the Canadiens equalized with a goal from Cole Caufield, who delighted the visiting fans by netting his 20th goal of the season. He received the puck from Mike Matheson and made the most of his chance, shooting high past Soderblom’s stick. This goal, coming at 18:24, reignited Montreal’s hopes.<\/p>
The second period saw the Blackhawks regain their edge. Foligno's determination shone through as he tipped Wyatt Kaiser’s wrist shot past Canadiens' goalie Sam Montembeault at 7:05. This goal not only restored the Blackhawks’ lead but was also pivotal, as Soderblom held strong—including some highlight saves to maintain the narrow margin.<\/p>
Maroon extended the lead to 3-1 for Chicago early in the third period at 3:01. He received a backhand pass from Ryan Donato, allowing him to score right from the edge of the crease. This tally provided the Blackhawks with breathing room as they aimed to avoid any late-game mishaps.
The Canadiens fought back when Emil Heineman scored on the power play at 9:45, narrowing the margin to just one goal. He batted the rebound after Matheson’s shot bounced off the boards, keeping the Canadiens alive again. Despite the pressure from Montreal, the Blackhawks' defense and Soderblom’s spirited saves kept the Canadiens at bay.
Foligno delivered the final exclamation for the Blackhawks, scoring again at 15:51 by powering the rebound from Taylor Hall's shot. This made the score 4-2 and effectively sealed the victory for Chicago, allowing them to flaunt their triumph over their previous five-game dry spell.
This matchup was also notable for the debut of Colton Dach, who became the first player to share the ice with his brother, Kirby Dach of the Canadiens, on opposing teams. Their parents witnessed the momentous occasion, highlighting the family rivalry. Postgame remarks indicated this was a heartwarming event shared by all, including their proud parents.
Reflecting on the game, team members expressed relief and eagerness to carry this momentum forward. Foligno emphasized, "If we can stick together and support each other, there’s no limit to what we can achieve from here on out." Coach Luke Richardson echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of runs like these for boosting morale within the locker room.
The defeat halted the Canadiens' own three-game winning streak, as they were also left to reflect on missed opportunities during the game. With key players missing, including Patrik Laine due to flu-like symptoms and David Savard with an upper-body injury, they were up against additional challenges during this match-up.
The Blackhawks will look to sustain this momentum when they host the New York Rangers next, hoping to reaffirm their resurgence. The Canadiens, meanwhile, will seek to rebound as they end their six-game road trip at Colorado, aiming to regain their previous form and re-strategize their latest performance.