The Chicago Blackhawks took care of business against the San Jose Sharks in their home opener.
The evening started with a red carpet outside of the United Center, a DJ spinning some great music, and tons of Chicago Blackhawks fans excited with anticipation for the home opener.
After the loud anthem and player introductions, hockey was played at the UC for the first time in the 2024-25 season.
Taylor Hall opened up the scoring with his first goal of the season. TJ Brodie broke him out and he made a neat move to beat Vitek Vanecek.
Hall missed most of the 2023-24 season due to injury and the Hawks missed him. His ability to create offense isn't what it used to be but it is still prominent enough to consider him an impact player.
Late in the first period, Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen danced around on the power play, leading to Tyler Bertuzzi redirecting his first goal.
Bertuzzi was brought in to mix it up, provide some grit, and go to the front of the net to cash in on the skill around him. He did just that on this goal and in the game.
Just 43 seconds into the second period, more power play magic happened for the Hawks. Once again, Bedard and Teravainen made a wonderful play to find a tip in front of the net. This time, Nick Foligno scored his third of the season.
Foligno's first at home as captain came after Bedard made a perfect no-look pass to Teravainen who had a brilliant shot pass for Foligno to redirect.
Just a few minutes into the third period, Jason Dickinson scored a goal that will be remembered as one of the nicest of the season.
Joey Anderson forced a turnover behind the Sharks' net and found Dickinson who jammed it passed Vanecek. The little drag he did as he received the puck before tucking it into the net is what makes the goal so impressive.
Throughout the game, Petr Mrazek was awesome. He allowed two goals on 22 shots and earned another win. Mrazek continues to provide the Hawks with what they need between the pipes.
The team did everything they needed to do to beat this Sharks team that is still looking for that first win of the season. The power play was crisp, they killed every Sharks penalty, and they won the shots-on-goal battle.
Last year, these teams were a lot closer. San Jose is missing Macklin Celebrini because of injury but the Hawks are still clearly a little bit more developed.
Next up for Chicago is a date with the Buffalo Sabres who are also struggling out of the gate. The home ice cooking has begun and they'd like to keep it going against a team like that who doesn't have much confidence right now. They should have some confidence following a solid win over the Sharks.