Will Smith scored his first NHL goal and added a second tally to pace the host San Jose Sharks to a 3-2 comeback victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.
Alex Wennberg also scored for the Sharks, who have won three consecutive games for the first time since the middle of last season. Mackenzie Blackwood made 26 saves, including all 12 shots he faced in the third period while the Blackhawks dominated play and pushed frantically for the equalizer.
Ryan Donato and Tyler Bertuzzi scored for the Blackhawks, who have lost five of six games. Petr Mrazek stopped 26 shots and Connor Murphy collected two assists.
With his team trailing 2-1, Wennberg tied the score 90 seconds into the second period. Mrazek stopped Fabian Zetterlund’s long shot, but he could not cover the loose puck before Wennberg chipped it into the net for his second tally of the season.
Smith’s second goal of the game, just past the midway point of the second period, gave the Sharks their second lead of the night and eventually held up as the game-winner. During a power play, he rifled a long wrist shot into the top corner.
The Blackhawks controlled play throughout the third period but could not solve Blackwood again. Chicago even enjoyed a power play for the final 79 seconds.
The rollercoaster ride began early. Smith, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, made his ninth NHL game one to remember when he opened the scoring at 6:52 of the first period. After he was fed a pass in the left circle, Smith lifted a top-corner shot for the memorable marker.
Donato tied the clash 37 seconds later. He pounced on a loose puck in the slot and ripped a short-side shot for his sixth goal of the season and fourth in a three-game span.
Bertuzzi put the Blackhawks ahead 2-1 only 50 seconds after that by converting a rebound opportunity while parked in front of the net.
–Field Level Media
