Showtime: Chicago Blackhawks Win Home Opener 4-2

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | Last updated Oct 7, 2026 4:26 AM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks refused to let the St. Louis Blues play spoiler in Showtime’s return to Chicago. Tuesday night at the United Center, the Hawks earned their first win of the season, 4-2, in the home opener.

It’s an Arty Party

In what has been a rough start for the Chicago Blackhawks, Artyom Levshunov has been one of the few bright spots. Since opening night, Levshunov has looked like the most responsible defenseman on a blue line that has taken its lumps. And on Tuesday he truly took over the game.

After a masterful keep-in at the blue line, the puck was cycled back to Arty. Levshunov did his best Cale Makar impression as he cut through three Blues players and sent a no-look backhand pass to Anton Frondell, who buried the chance at 7:40 of the second to put Chicago ahead 2-1.

But Connor Bedard Is Not Invited

One of the most frustrating parts about watching Levshunov is the success and confidence he has without Connor Bedard. In 16 games without Connor Bedard, Levshunov has 7 points in those games. For reference, he has 25 points in 75 games with Bedard in the lineup.

The real question is whether Arty can keep the level of confidence he’s developed. The tools are there and when he’s on, like Tuesday night, people such as Patrick Kane take notice.

“He’s so powerful. He’s so strong, he’s powerful, and he can skate away from guys, and to see Frondy at the back door, it was incredible.”

Showtime

Unless you have been living under a rock, most people know that Patrick Kane returned to Chicago this offseason. Tuesday night, he made his home debut. And the Chicago Blackhawks showed out for the franchise legend.

Before the game even started, Kane was honored in a big way. Chicago created a custom hype video for the Alternate Captain, and after it was completed, “Rock You Like A Hurricane” by the Scorpions started blasting around the arena.

Then the man himself skated out and stood alone on the blue line during the anthem. A scene that gave fans chills, and Kaner himself. Afterward Patrick said:

“It was special; I mean, a lot of build-up to the night coming out for warmups, hearing the cheer, and then getting ready for that introduction; it’s a little surreal.”

Passing The Torch

When Patrick Kane plays hockey, there is an unmistakable swagger that is displayed. Something natural; it can’t be taught. After Kane, it’s safe to say who will carry the flame.

Frank Nazar.

Coming off an 0-3-0 start that included a 4-3 loss in Buffalo , Chicago needed a spark. Mason McTavish put the Blues up 1-0 late in the first, and the Hawks answered in the second. On the power play, Frank Nazar drove the net and threw a shot low looking for a rebound. Sam Rinzel buried it at 5:40 to tie the game 1-1. Two minutes later, Levshunov found Frondell for the go-ahead goal.

Late in the third, Cole Smith scored a short-handed empty-netter at 18:51 to make it 3-1. St. Louis got one back when Connor McMichael scored on a 6-on-4 at 19:22 to cut it to 3-2. Nazar iced it for good with another empty-netter at 19:56, sealing the 4-2 final and Chicago’s first two points in the standings.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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