> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://eatthehatchet-hockey.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Chicago Beats Minnesota 4-3 in overtime, thanks to a Byram hat trick - URL: https://eatthehatchet-hockey.com/chicago-blackhawks-minnesota-wild-september-21-2026-preseason-statistics-result-score-recap-highlights/ - Published: 2026-09-22T15:05:25.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-22T15:07:46.000Z - Description: Bowen Byram scored a hat trick in the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 overtime preseason win against the Minnesota Wild. - Author: Steve Kwiatkowski - Tags: Steve's Notebook, Game Recaps *Note: To those reading this in email, clips embedded from X won't load unless you open this article in a new tab.* I told myself that I wouldn't take too much stock in the four Chicago Blackhawks pre-season games. That goes for both the good and bad. I saved some observations from the 4-3 overtime loss against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night, mostly about Kevin Korchinski. The plan was to compile everything into a larger preseason observations article. But during last night's 4-3 overtime win against the same team, I couldn't help myself with a few observations. And I can't stress this enough: take everything with a grain of salt. This was against a mostly AHL-level roster. ## The Vlasic-Byram Pair is going to be fun The Chicago Blackhawks had a 52 percent Corsi and a 52 percent expected goals share at 5-on-5 with Alex Vlasic and Bowen Byram on the ice, but were split with scoring chances (6-6) and were outchanced in the slot (3-1). The numbers aren't pretty, but both Alex Vlasic and Bowen Byram put on a show last night. Vlasic killed plays in his own end, and Byram created offense (five scoring chances, five shots on goal, seven shot attempts, and three goals at all strengths). > GOAL: Bowen Byram picks the top corner with a shot from the right circle. [pic.twitter.com/e34Zy6eGiW](https://t.co/e34Zy6eGiW?ref=eatthehatchet-hockey.com) > > — BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) [September 22, 2026](https://x.com/BlackhawksFocus/status/2102201627792884150?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=eatthehatchet-hockey.com) While the first fifteen seconds of the game is something that he might want to take back, Byram consistently placed himself in scoring areas by taking advantage of space in the neutral and offensive zone. [Breaking Down the Chicago Blackhawks Defensive ConcernsLooking back at the 2025-26 Chicago Blackhawks defense.![](https://eatthehatchet-hockey.com/content/images/icon/Copy-of-Untitled-Design-2-6e6d2517-a883-4841-83e8-238d424ab6e3.png)Eat The HatchetSteve Kwiatkowski![](https://eatthehatchet-hockey.com/content/images/thumbnail/https-3a-2f-2fsubstack-post-media-s3-amazonaws-com-2fpublic-2fimages-2f__ss-rehost__tw-video-preview-13_2043096974719680512-c7495259-e72d-435e-88dd-ef26bfe885a7.jpg)](https://eatthehatchet-hockey.com/chicago-blackhawks-defensive-zone-tactical-breakdown-2025-2026/) ## Roman Kantserov can hold his own Roman Kantserov came close to scoring his first goal in a Blackhawks sweater but instead got the assist on Byram's second goal. Kantserov's offensive skill was evident (six shot attempts, two shots on goal, and the highest individual expected goals share at .31 percent at all strengths). With Kantserov on the ice at 5-on-5, the Hawks were fairly even against the Wild in shot attempts (11 apiece) and shots on goal (five for both). Where Roman stood out was in his physicality; he led the team in hits with four (and yes, that's going to change during the regular season). > Roman Kantserov delivers a massive hit on his former KHL teammate Danila Yurov. [#Blackhawks](https://x.com/hashtag/Blackhawks?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=eatthehatchet-hockey.com) [pic.twitter.com/mRBi9iyhFU](https://t.co/mRBi9iyhFU?ref=eatthehatchet-hockey.com) > > — Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) [September 22, 2026](https://x.com/CRoumeliotis/status/2102201891786502591?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=eatthehatchet-hockey.com) ## Teuvo Teravainen It's hard to hold a poor preseason game against a player unless they're really fighting for a roster spot. According to the beat writers, [it sounds like Teuvo Teravainen kind of is](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7607895/2026/09/19/blackhawks-teuvo-teravainen-roster-spot-nhl/?ref=eatthehatchet-hockey.com). While he wasn't the only Hawk with a quiet game (Frank Nazar wasn't noticeable), I expected a bit more from Teuvo. I won't dig into his numbers because I don't think there's much value in doing that. I don't want to break down some of the bad plays I noticed because it's "only preseason." But it's something I'm going to dog-ear for the regular season. Teuvo was someone who I really wanted to see play with Connor Bedard since he first returned to Chicago. ## Thoughts - Artyom Levshunov looked really good. His skating is noticeably better, and he was very aggressive on offense. - The power play is still going to need some work, but without Patrick Kane (who didn't play last night), I'm going to hold my judgment. - Anton Frondell looked solid on the forecheck. - [Nick Lardis scored a nice goal](https://x.com/BlackhawksFocus/status/2102192225090244862?s=20&ref=eatthehatchet-hockey.com). - Speaking of forechecks, Chicago across the board looked better with the 2-1-2\. Let's hope they keep that up in regular season. ## Sign up for Eat The Hatchet A blog about the Blackhawks. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.