Jason Dickinson and Tyler Johnson scored 13 seconds apart late in the third period, lifting the Chicago Blackhawks to a 5-4 win over the Seattle Kraken on Sunday, marking their third consecutive victory.
Max Domi and Jujhar Khaira also found the net for Chicago (3-2-0), which initially trailed 2-0 midway through the first period and 4-3 entering the third. The Blackhawks have now erased two-goal deficits in three straight games.
While first-year coach Luke Richardson prefers a steadier approach, he welcomed the win. “As the game progressed, we improved and played hard when it mattered most,” Richardson said. “This group is really coming together, which is great to see.”
Johnson tied the game at 4 with his second goal of the night with 7:03 remaining, slotting the puck past Martin Jones from the slot after a setup by Jonathan Toews. Dickinson then capitalized on a mistake by Seattle defenseman Adam Larsson, scoring from the right circle with 6:50 left.
The Blackhawks’ aggressive forechecking and penalty killing have been key under Richardson’s guidance. “We’re already having fun and coming together as a team,” Johnson said. “Even with many new faces, we’re building a strong bond.”
Jared McCann contributed a goal and an assist for the Kraken, replicating his performance from the previous game. Vince Dunn, Andre Burakovsky, and Matty Beniers also scored for Seattle.
“We need to maintain pressure,” McCann emphasized. “We eased off, and they capitalized.”
Seattle coach Dave Hakstol acknowledged the critical mistakes that led to Chicago’s late goals. “A couple of errors in our zone made the difference,” Hakstol noted. “That’s all it takes in a game like this.”
Khaira’s short-handed goal late in the first period ignited Chicago’s comeback, marking their fourth short-handed goal of the season. Johnson tied the game at 2 shortly after with his first goal of the season, converting a rebound of Seth Jones’ shot.
Both teams were missing their primary goalies. Alex Stalock made 30 saves for the Blackhawks, while Jones stopped 22 shots for the Kraken (2-3-2).
Chicago placed goaltender Petr Mrazek on injured reserve with a groin strain sustained during Friday’s home opener. Richardson mentioned that Mrazek might be sidelined for at least a week.
McCann opened the scoring early in the first, followed by Burakovsky, putting Seattle up 2-0. Domi scored for Chicago early in the second period, with Beniers quickly responding for Seattle. Dunn regained the lead for Seattle midway through the second before Chicago’s late rally.
WELCOME BACK, EDDIE
Former Blackhawks player and broadcaster Eddie Olczyk returned to the United Center as part of the Kraken’s broadcast team, receiving a warm welcome from fans.
NOTES
C Yanni Gourde missed the game for personal reasons, with Morgan Geekie stepping into the lineup. Richardson indicated that Mrazek’s injury is similar to one that limited him last season and expects a clearer diagnosis soon.
UP NEXT
- Kraken: Host Buffalo on Tuesday to start a three-game homestand.
- Blackhawks: Host Florida on Tuesday.
