The Chicago Blackhawks pulled off a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, with Ryan Donato scoring the game-winner late in the third period. Donato pushed across the goal line from the right side and slipped the puck into the net, sealing the win at the United Center. The Blackhawks showed resilience, much like their previous game against the Islanders, where Connor Bedard scored a decisive late goal. Arvid Soderblom’s 20 saves contributed to the effort, while Ilya Mikheyev and Teuvo Teravainen delivered impactful performances.
Washington dominated the first period, jumping to a 2-0 lead with goals from Pierre-Luc Dubois and Andrew Mangiapane. Dubois intercepted the puck and scored unassisted with a slow shot that barely crossed the goal line. Mangiapane added the second goal with a smooth forehand finish after cutting inside the defense. However, logistical issues from a delayed flight following their game in Dallas appeared to leave the Capitals fatigued. Coach Spencer Carbery admitted the team lacked energy and cohesion throughout the match.
Chicago began its comeback early in the third period when Mikheyev scored a short-handed goal just 51 seconds in. After receiving a pass from Teravainen at the red line, Mikheyev sped past a defender and lifted a backhand shot over Washington goalie Logan Thompson. This marked the Blackhawks’ first short-handed goal of the season. Teravainen, who recorded his second consecutive three-point game, earned praise from coach Anders Sorensen for his aggressive and engaged play.
Later, TJ Brodie tied the game with a wrist shot from the left circle at 14:07 of the third period. Donato’s game-winning goal followed shortly after, showcasing the Blackhawks’ ability to capitalize under pressure. Donato highlighted the importance of staying aggressive in such moments, crediting Soderblom’s strong performance for keeping them in the game. The win marked a significant morale boost for Chicago, which had previously struggled to close out games from behind.
In contrast, the Capitals struggled to maintain their early lead and appeared out of sync. Defenseman John Carlson reflected on their disorganized play, citing a lack of sharpness and missed opportunities to secure the game. Mangiapane, who returned after an illness, managed to find the net but expressed frustration with the loss. The game underscored Washington’s challenges with consistency, particularly when managing adverse circumstances like travel fatigue.
