Chicago’s Third-Period Surge Stuns Sharks as Yaroslav Askarov Shines Despite Loss
Chicago’s Third-Period Surge Stuns Sharks as Yaroslav Askarov Shines Despite Loss
In a wild regular-season finale at the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks orchestrated a stunning four-goal third-period rally to defeat the San Jose Sharks 5-2. Trailing 2-0 heading into the final frame, Chicago found life through unlikely hero Louis Crevier, who tallied the first multi-goal game of his career. Crevier tied the game early in the third off a slick backhand pass from Connor Bedard and later added a thunderous 60-foot slapshot to put the game out of reach. Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis also found the back of the net as the Blackhawks ran the Sharks out of the building in the final twenty minutes.
Despite the lopsided final score, the narrative for much of the game centered around Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. The highly touted netminder was sensational in the first two periods, stopping 19 shots and famously denying Ilya Mikheyev on a penalty shot with a highlight-reel glove save. Askarov’s athleticism kept the Sharks in the lead for nearly 45 minutes, even as Chicago's pressure began to mount. San Jose entered the third period with a 2-0 cushion thanks to goals from Mario Ferraro and Michael Misa, but they were ultimately unable to withstand the Blackhawks' relentless 5-on-5 surge.
Bedard Finishes Sophomore Season on a High
Connor Bedard capped off his second NHL season with a two-assist performance, demonstrating the vision that has made him the face of the Chicago rebuild. Bedard’s primary assist on Crevier’s tying goal was a masterclass in patience, as he waited for the lane to open before threading a cross-ice pass. Bedard finishes the 2025-26 campaign with 30 goals and 43 assists, hitting the 70-point mark for the first time. While the Blackhawks finished with just 72 points (29-39-14), the internal growth of Bedard and the surrounding youth—including Nick Lardis, who scored his 10th—provides a clear blueprint for the future.
The Blackhawks dominated the puck in the third period, holding a staggering 79.5 percent expected goal share. They outshot the Sharks 11-4 in the final frame and created six high-danger chances to San Jose’s zero. For a team that has struggled with consistency, this finale was a statement of resilience for head coach Luke Richardson’s squad.
Sharks’ Late-Season Collapse
For the San Jose Sharks, the loss was a bitter end to what has been a significant year of improvement. Although they finished 32 points ahead of last season's pace with an 84-point total (38-35-8), the third-period collapse highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities that still plague the roster. Mario Ferraro provided the early spark, scoring just eight minutes into the game on a shot that deflected off Ethan Del Mastro. Michael Misa added to the lead in the second period, but a disallowed goal by Tyler Toffoli due to a delayed offside call seemed to sap the team’s momentum.
Captain Mario Ferraro and the veteran core will have plenty to dissect this offseason. While Yaroslav Askarov proved he belongs in the conversation for a starting role next year, the team’s inability to close out games against bottom-tier opponents remains a concern. San Jose finishes the season having lost four of their last five games, a slide they hope to rectify before the 2026-27 puck drop.
Rosters and Final Stats
The Chicago Blackhawks roster for the finale featured a heavy dose of youth, with Sam Rinzel also contributing a goal from the blueline. Veteran Spencer Knight earned the win in net, stopping 15 of 17 shots. The San Jose Sharks saw Kiefer Sherwood record two assists in the loss, but the team’s special teams failed them, going 1-for-3 on the power play. As the teams head into the summer, the Blackhawks have secured the GM Kyle Davidson to a contract extension, while San Jose enters a critical offseason with 84 points on the board and a young core ready to take the next step.
