The Chicago Blackhawks fell 3-1 at home to the Los Angeles Kings after going five straight games with a point.
The Chicago Blackhawks fell 3-1 at home to the Los Angeles Kings after going five straight games with a point.
First Period:
Chicago was dominating play to start the game and overwhelmed the Kings early on. Los Angeles committed two penalties in the first period, but the Blackhawks were unable to capitalize on the infractions. A story we see over the course of this game. After much pressing, including a flurry of chances that were turned aside by former Blackhawk Anton Forsberg, Chicago created their own luck when Ilya Mikheyev’s shot had a flukey bounce off Kings defender Drew Doughty, and then Connor Bedard’s stick to give the Blackhawks the advantage early. Chicago held the advantage going into the first intermission
Second Period:
The second period was the exact opposite of the first. The Kings now dictated the pace early, including a great chance by Alex Laferriere that was saved by the toe of Arvid Soderblom. After a strong shift by the Hawks, Sam Rinzel got stuck flat-footed in the offensive zone, leading to a 2-on-1 for the Kings the other way. And it was Laferriere who wouldn’t be denied and evened the game at one apiece for Los Angeles. The Blackhawks did something rare in this new Jeff Blashill era. They got desperate and started to play on their heels. Kevin Fiala took advantage and sprung himself past the Blackhawks’ back line and around the net, potting home a spin-o-rama goal. Just like that, the Blackhawks’ lead dissipated in just two minutes.
Story continues below.
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Third Period:
What a snooze fest. The third period saw the hockey version of “parking the bus” from the Kings. Chicago was unable to make any decent chances manifest despite having control of the puck for much of the period. But luck was on Chicago’s side. A late penalty, the Kings’ fifth of the game, gave the home team a chance to tie it late in the third. However, just like the first four opportunities, the Powerplay resulted in nothing. Joel Armia would ice the game with under 5 seconds left on the final Penalty Kill. Los Angeles beat Chicago 3 to 1.
Oct 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Joel Armia (40) scores against the Chicago Blackhawks on the empty-net as he breaks his stick during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Cowboys Three Stars of the Game:
Kevin Fiala, GWG
Connor Bedard, 1G, L
Anton Forsberg 22SV.957SV%, W
The Cowboy Round-Up and What’s On Tap
Boring. For the first time this year, the Chicago Blackhawks were boring to watch. Now, is that more a testament to the Los Angeles Kings’ defensive game plan and passive style of play? Possibly, however, going 0/5 on the power play does not help. To quote Connor Bedard, “Our Powerplay was terrible”. Beyond that, the Blackhawks played an okay game against two puck-hounds in Ilya Mikheyev, who went down with an injury, and Tyler Bertuzzi, who was off the roster before puck drop.
On Tap for the Blackhawks is a matchup versus Ottawa at 7:45 CDT on October 28th.