Reichel Leads Blackhawks to 8–3 Rout of Blues
Lukas Reichel recorded his first career two-goal game and added an assist as the Chicago Blackhawks powered past the St. Louis Blues 8–3 on Wednesday night. The victory was Chicago’s second consecutive win after opening the season 0-2-1.
Ilya Mikheyev and Tyler Bertuzzi each contributed a goal and an assist, while Frank Nazar, Jason Dickinson, and Ryan Greene also found the back of the net. Connor Bedard tallied three assists, Alex Vlasic added two, and goaltender Arvid Soderblom stopped 23 shots for the Blackhawks.
For St. Louis, Jake Neighbours had a goal and an assist, and Dylan Holloway and Tyler Tucker each scored. Joel Hofer allowed seven goals on 22 shots before being replaced by Jordan Binnington, who saved six of seven attempts.
Chicago took control early when Hofer’s misplayed outlet pass landed on Mikheyev’s stick, leading to a goal just 3:02 into the first period. The Blues briefly tied the game 1-1 on Neighbours’ rebound, but Reichel restored Chicago’s lead less than a minute later with a sharp-angle shot. Holloway’s equalizer at 14:54 made it 2-2 heading into the first intermission.
The second period proved decisive, as the Blackhawks exploded for three goals. Bedard’s steal behind the St. Louis net set up Vlasic, whose slapshot was tipped in by Reichel for his second of the night. Moments later, Nazar capitalized on a pass from Bertuzzi, driving through the slot for a highlight-reel finish. Dickinson added another goal after Binnington replaced Hofer, putting Chicago up 5-2.
The onslaught continued in the third period. Ryan Donato scored at 1:17, and Bertuzzi added a power-play tip-in at 5:03 to extend the lead to 7-2. Tucker cut into the deficit with a deflection midway through the period, but rookie Ryan Greene sealed the rout with his first NHL goal just a minute later.
It was a statement win for Chicago, led by a breakout night from Reichel and a multi-point effort from Bedard, as the Blackhawks continued to find rhythm early in the new season.
