After a four-day break in the schedule, the Chicago Blackhawks (5-13-1) returned to action on Thursday night and defeated the Buffalo Sabres (8-8-3) 3-2 in overtime at the United Center. The Blackhawks snapped their six-game losing streak and won for the first time in November (1-4-0).

Ryan Donato was the overtime hero for the Blackhawks, snapping his 10-game game drought with his third tally of the season. Donato received a drop pass from Anton Frondell, skated to the slot, and ripped a shot past Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon for the game-winning goal.

However, it was Frank Nazar who was the No. 1 star of the game for Chicago, scoring both goals in regulation, including the game-tying tally in the third period to force overtime. Nazar was the best skater on the ice for either team, leading the Blackhawks with five shots on goal, five individual scoring chances, and four individual high-danger chances in 18:48 of ice time.

Sam Rinzel‘s offensive contributions continued on Thursday, tallying two assists, including the secondary helper on Donato’s game-winning goal. Rinzel now has five assists in his last six games.

Rookie Roman Kantserov also recorded an assist, which extended his point streak to nine games. Kantserov become just the fourth Blackhawks rookie to record a nine-game point streak, joining Steve Larmer, Jonathan Toews, and Jeremy Roenick. Some pretty elite company for the Russian winger.

Spencer Knight made his 15th start of the season for the Blackhawks and earned his fifth win, stopping 21 of 23 shots. It’s the lowest shot total Knight has faced in a full game this year.

Both of the Sabres goals came in the first period, with Owen Power and Tage Thompson (PP) finding the back of the net in the opening 16 minutes. Buffalo led 2-1 through 20 minutes, and the score remained the same entering the third period.

Thursday marked the first time this season the Blackhawks have won when trailing after two periods, previously having an 0-10-0 record in those situations. In the third period and overtime, the Sabres recorded only five shots on goal, with the Blackhawks gaining momentum as the game progressed.

Nazar’s game-tying tally near the midway point of the final frame gave the Blackhawks life, and Donato finished the job in overtime. After recording only 14 shots in 40 minutes, the Hawks rallied and outshot Buffalo 11-5 the rest of the way.

Here are highlights from the Blackhawks 3-2 overtime win, moving their 2026-27 regular-season record to 5-13-1.

First Period

Power put the Sabres ahead at 9:00, as the Blackhawks lost him in coverage while defending a rush. Josh Norris made a heads-up extra pass to Power at the left circle, and the big defenseman ripped a shot past Knight’s blocker. 1-0, Buffalo.

With Noah Ostlund in the penalty box for slashing, the Blackhawks’ power play hit the ice for the first time and tied the game at 12:22. Nazar opened up for a pass in the crease, and Connor Bedard hit him on the tape for his sixth goal of the season. 1-1. Kantserov extended his point streak to nine games with the secondary assist.

Less than four minutes later, Patrick Kane committed a hooking penalty on Mattias Samuelsson, and the Sabres power play converted to regain the lead. Thompson launched a powerful shot past Knight at 15:45, putting Buffalo ahead 2-1. It’s Thompson’s sixth goal in eight career games against Knight.

Buffalo took a 2-1 lead into the intermission, but the two teams were tied 8-8 in shots on goal and 6-6 in scoring chances. It was a low-event opening period at even strength.

Second Period

One of the few chances for either team in the second period, Nazar nearly scored his second goal, receiving a pass from Kane at center ice and dashing up ice past the Sabres defenseman. On a partial breakaway, Nazar quickly flipped the puck on net, but Alex Lyon made a sharp glove save. Still 2-1.

Neither team scored in the period, with the Sabres still ahead 2-1 after 40 minutes. Buffalo led 18-14 in shots on goal and 12-11 in scoring chances.

Third Period

Nazar made good on his next quality chance for his second tally, redirecting Rinzel’s point shot past Lyon at 8:22 in the third period. 2-2. It’s Nazar’s seventh goal of the season.

The two teams remained tied 2-2 through 60 minutes, with overtime necessary to determine a winner.

Overtime

Donato lifted the Blackhawks to a 3-2 win with the game-winning goal at 3:12 of overtime, receiving a drop pass from Frondell, then wheeling to the slot and firing the puck past Lyon. Rinzel recorded his second assist with the secondary helper. Hawks Win!

The Blackhawks will look to keep the positive momentum rolling when they return to action next on Saturday afternoon against the Winnipeg Jets.