If you’re checking your phone or refreshing your browser to find out what is the score of the chicago blackhawks game, the short answer isn't what most fans in the Windy City wanted to hear today. The Blackhawks just wrapped up a frustrating contest at the United Center, falling 4-1 to the Edmonton Oilers.
It was a night where the energy felt a bit off from the jump. Honestly, losing is one thing, but losing when you feel like you're chasing ghosts for sixty minutes is another. The Oilers came into Chicago and did exactly what they've been doing lately: riding a historic wave of individual brilliance and opportunistic scoring.
Breaking Down the Numbers: How It Happened
The final tally sat at 4-1. While the score looks like a blowout, there were moments—brief, flickering moments—where it felt like Chicago might actually claw back into it.
Edmonton struck first in the opening period. Zach Hyman, who seems to have a magnet in his stick for the puck near the crease, tipped one home at the 14:41 mark. Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid picked up the assists. That McDavid assist? It was his 49th of the year. The guy is playing a different sport than everyone else right now.
Things got weirder just 16 seconds into the second period. Bouchard, who had a monster night, took a shot from behind the goal line that somehow banked off Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight and into the net. It was a fluky, "burn the tape" kind of goal that effectively took the air out of the building.
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The Bertuzzi Bright Spot
If you’re looking for a silver lining, Tyler Bertuzzi is basically the entire cloud right now. He scored the lone goal for the Blackhawks late in the third period, knocking in a rebound at 14:46. It was his 24th goal of the season, and it briefly made the score 2-1. For about five minutes, the United Center actually got loud.
But then, the inevitable happened. Chicago pulled the goalie for the extra attacker, and Bouchard sent a long-distance prayer into the empty net with 53 seconds left. To rub salt in the wound, Leon Draisaitl added another goal just eight seconds later.
Final score: 4-1 Oilers.
Key Stats from the Matchup
- Final Score: Edmonton 4, Chicago 1
- Shots on Goal: Edmonton 37, Chicago 30
- Power Plays: Chicago went 0-for-3; Edmonton 0-for-2
- Saves: Spencer Knight (CHI) made 33 saves; Connor Ingram (EDM) made 29 saves
The Bedard-Sized Hole in the Lineup
The biggest story before the puck even dropped was the absence of Connor Bedard. If you were wondering why the offense looked a bit toothless, that’s your answer. Bedard was a late scratch due to an illness.
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It’s tough. You’ve got a young team that relies heavily on a generational talent to create space, and when that piece is missing, the ripples are felt everywhere. Teuvo Teravainen also left the game after the first period with an upper-body injury, leaving the Blackhawks' bench incredibly short-handed against one of the fastest teams in the league.
Artyom Levshunov’s Marathon Shift
One of the most bizarre stats from the game involved rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov. During the second period, he got stuck on the ice for a shift that lasted more than five and a half minutes.
Five. And. A. Half. Minutes.
In a sport where a 45-second shift is the standard, that’s basically a lifetime. He ended up playing 24:30 on the night. You could see the fatigue in his strides by the third period, but the kid showed some serious heart just staying upright.
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What’s Next for the Blackhawks?
The schedule doesn't get any easier. Chicago stays at home for a few more games, but the pressure is mounting. They are currently sitting 6th in the Central Division with a record of 19-20-7. They have 45 points, which puts them in that "mushy middle" where they aren't quite bottom-feeders but aren't exactly threatening for a wildcard spot yet.
Next up, the Calgary Flames come to town on Thursday, January 15. The Flames are also struggling, coming off a loss to Columbus, so it’s a "get right" game for both squads.
If you're planning on catching that one, keep an eye on the injury report. Whether Bedard can shake off the bug and get back on the ice will be the difference between a competitive game and another long night of defensive zone coverage.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the morning skate reports on Thursday to see if Bedard is back on the ice.
- Watch the waiver wire if you're playing fantasy; Tyler Bertuzzi is on a tear and likely available in shallower leagues.
- If you’re heading to the United Center on Thursday, the game starts at 7:30 PM CST.
The season is long, and these mid-January grinds are where teams either find their identity or start looking toward the draft lottery. For the Blackhawks, tonight was a reminder of how much work is left to do.