For 19 minutes, the first period just kinda… happened. But the Blackhawks had to kill the game’s first penalty and were unable to do so. Charlie Coyle scored a power play goal with 47 seconds left in the period. At times, goals against late in periods have been deflating for the Blackhawks this season. Not tonight. Chicago tied the game with 2.7 seconds left before first intermission. Exhale. The game was tied after 20 minutes.
The Blackhawks’ puck management continued to leave a lot to be desired to start the second period, and it cost them a goal 83 seconds into the middle frame. André Burakovsky could have picked up an assist on the goal… if he was on the other team. After digging themselves a two-goal hole, the Blackhawks’ top line decided they had seen enough and spent a couple minutes simply imposing their will. A gorgeous saucer pass cut the lead in half and they almost got another soon after. The Hawks were chasing one headed to the third.
The energy was much better for the Blackhawks in the third period, and they created their share of chances. But they couldn’t find the back of the net. And they didn’t have an answer for Charlie Coyle. He put a bow on a hat trick with a goal into the empty cage with 63 seconds left in regulation, giving the Blue Jackets a 4-2 lead.
Star 1: Connor Bedard
True story: Bedard had the Blackhawks’ only high danger chance in the first period — and he didn’t miss. In the second period, after allowing two goals, it was Bedard’s line that brought the energy and got Chicago back into things. He set up the second goal with a gorgeous pass.
GOAL: Connor Bedard beats the buzzer and puts home a rebound to tie the game before the end of the period pic.twitter.com/CpHk9Mu5xF
— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) January 31, 2026Star 2: Frank Nazar
Off said gorgeous pass from Bedard, Nazar finished to get the Blackhawks back to within one.
t.co/voMlr4Sj5W pic.twitter.com/WJfAZaNbCb
— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) January 31, 2026Star 3: Tyler Bertuzzi
I’m just going to stick with all three skaters on the Blackhawks’ top line tonight because they were the only line on either team that dominated their shifts. At 5-on-5 thru two periods, the line of Nazar, Bedard and Bertuzzi had a 0.52 expected goals for. The rest of the Blackhawks’ lines: 0.14 combined. That line was on the ice for both of Chicago’s goals thru 40 minutes.
Bertuzzi had assists on the Bedard and Nazar goals in the first and second periods.
Key Takeaways
The Blackhawks weren’t sharp in the first period for the most part, but Sam Rinzel looked good in his return to the NHL. He broke up a couple rushes in the first period. By the end of the second period, Rinzel had assumed the quarterback spot on the top power play unit and was credited with a team-leading four blocked shots in 13:52. Another night, another tough assignment for Jason Dickinson that he he handled admirably. Thru two periods, Dickinson spent 7:40 on the ice against Adam Fantilli at 5-on-5. During that time, the Blackhawks had a 14-9 shot attempt advantage and 0.64-0.54 expected goals advantage (54.19 for Chicago). The Blackhawks challenged there was goaltender interference on Columbus’ third goal. It was a quick review and the goal was upheld. I was surprised at the challenge because this coaching staff has been pretty good about their decisions and this one didn’t look like it had much of a chance. Thankfully the Blackhawks killed the penalty. The Blackhawks got a power play inside the final six minutes of regulation and it did everything but score.Hence then, the article about blackhawks 2 blue jackets 4 three stars key takeaways was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Blackhawks 2, Blue Jackets 4 — Three Stars, Key Takeaways )
Also on site :