The Blackhawks will improve their overtime record in 2026-2027

In 2025-2026, the Blackhawks played 21 games in extra time, with eight of those games finishing in a shootout. They finished the year with a total record in extra time of 7-14, meaning that they were 4-9 in the overtime period and 3-5 in the shootout. If the team is looking to compete for a playoff spot this year, they must greatly improve in extra time.

Overtime

Many times in 2025-2026, the Blackhawks lost in the 3-on-3 overtime period and did not even touch the puck. Faceoffs were a big weakness of the team last year. They finished second-to-last in the league with a 46.0% win rate. The centers on this team must do a better job of winning faceoffs if they even want a chance to improve on that record in 2026-2027.

Individual Faceoff Percentage (2025-2026)
Frank Nazar - 47.4%
Connor Bedard - 47.1%
Ryan Greene - 42.7%

Bedard's faceoff numbers improved significantly last year, as that was a major offseason focus for him. If Bedard and Nazar approach a 50% success rate and either Frondell or Kantserov (whoever lands at center) is serviceable at the dot, then that alone would give them more chances in overtime. We also saw situations last year when Jason Dickinson was still on the team and would begin the overtime period by taking the faceoff. If someone on the team becomes a faceoff specialist, then that would increase opportunities to take early control of the period.

The addition of Bowen Byram will also help the Blackhawks improve in overtime this year. We saw Alex Vlasic, Artyom Levshunov, and Sam Rinzel all begin the overtime period as the lone defenseman. The consistency that Byram will bring, along with his offensive skill, will definitely help score more goals in overtime, especially as the season progresses.

Potential Overtime Line Combinations
Bedard - Kane - Byram
Nazar - Lardis - Levshunov
Frondell - Kantserov - Rinzel
Greene - Teravainen - Vlasic

The top line of Bedard, Kane, and Byram does not pose a big defensive threat, so the likelihood of the game ending with them on the ice is quite high. The speed of Nazar, Nick Lardis, Anton Frondell, and Roman Kantserov, along with the finishing ability that these forwards possess, would equate to more wins than we saw last year as well. Finally, if the Blackhawks are stuck with a defensive zone faceoff, then we could see two defensive-minded forwards in Greene and Teuvo Teravainen. There are many more combinations for head coach Jeff Blashill to work with this season.

Shootout

The Blackhawks brought back Patrick Kane, who is the NHL career leader with 55 shootout goals. We will most likely see Bedard lead off the shootout, with Kane following in his usual position that we saw for so many years. The Blackhawks will hope to recreate the success that they had with Toews and Kane going 1-2 in the shootout during the 2010s dynasty era.

2025-2026 Shootout Goal Scorers on the Current Roster
Connor Bedard - 2
Nick Lardis - 2
Ryan Donato - 1
Oliver Moore - 1
Frank Nazar - 1

With the top two spots locked down, Blashill will have many options for the third shootout skater. Given his success last year, we could see Nick Lardis begin the year as the third option (especially until Bedard's return from injury). I can imagine that we will also see Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov receive early opportunities as well. End-of-practice shootouts also help to determine who has success in these situations.

Goaltenders are the other half of the equation in the shootout, and backup Arvid Soderblom has had a historically poor run in the shootout until last season. He allowed nine straight goals in the shootout until he finally won a game last season. Hopefully, starting goaltender Spencer Knight will be in net when the team is in a shootout this season, as his record is significantly better.

Overall, with the addition of Kane, Byram, and the top prospects to this year's roster, the Blackhawks should be significantly improved in extra time. I do not believe that we will see as many shootouts as last year, with the increased offensive skill, while those players will also give up as many opportunities on the defensive end. Along with many Blackhawks fans, I cannot wait to see the magic between Bedard and Kane during the exciting 3-on-3 overtime.

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