Recap: Blackhawks dismissed by Oilers, lose 4-1

The Chicago Blackhawks returned home to face the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. The Blackhawks last played on Saturday, shutting out the Nashville Predators on the road 3-0 in Drew Commesso’s first career win and shutout. The Oilers were coming off of a 4-3 shootout loss against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

Chicago entered the game winning five out of its last six. Edmonton entered the game losing three out of its last five.

Connor Bedard would miss the contest with the flu.

First period

The first period was defined by high-danger chances by Edmonton. With multiple second chance opportunities and Connor McDavid hitting the crossbar, the Oilers scoring first felt inevitable.

The inevitable first goal came with just over five minutes left in the period. With open space, Evan Bouchard skated toward the net. Instead of shooting, Bouchard made a daring pass to Zach Hyman, who was battling by the net with Alex Vlasic. The puck bounced off Hyman’s stick and into the net, giving the Oilers a 1-0 lead.

That was the only goal of the period, as the Oilers outshot the Blackhawks 10-5.

Second period

It did not take long for Edmonton to extend its lead. Just 16 seconds into the second frame, Bouchard shot the puck fro seemingly an impossible angle, deflecting off Spencer Knight, giving the Oilers a 2-0 lead.

The rest of the period continued with Oiler dominance, only curtailed by Knight standing on his head. Outshot 16-12 in the period, the Blackhawks were seemingly being run out of the United Center.

Third period

It took a few periods, but some pushback finally took place. Whether it was the Blackhawks finding their groove or the Oilers taking their foot off the gas, most of the third period was controlled by Chicago.

That control finally translated to a goal when Tyler Bertuzzi shot a rebound off Connor Ingram into the net with just over five minutes to go.