It took more than 10 periods to show it, but the Hawks put together a cohesive effort, scoring five unanswered goals to end their 2025-26 season with a 5-2 win, finishing 29-39-14.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes you feel way better, it makes you enjoy tonight,\u201d Blashill said. \u201cI thought our fans were awesome, it was a fun atmosphere to be a part of.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yes, the Hawks missed the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season and eighth in nine. But their 72 points are an 11-point improvement from 2024-25 and 20 points better than 2023-24.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a tough little stretch for us,\u201d center Connor Bedard said after the Hawks won for just the third time in 14 games. \u201cGood to have a good game like that going to summer feeling better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam Rinzel cut into the Sharks\u2019 lead by threading the needle to make it 2-1 with 30 seconds left in the second period. Then the Hawks offense erupted.<\/p>\n
Louis Crevier scored two goals in the third period, while Ryan Greene and Nick Lardis added to the fun. Crevier finished the season with seven goals, the most by a Hawks defenseman.<\/p>\n
![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/CTC-L-blackhawks-sharks035.jpg\")
Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier, second from left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the third period against the Sharks on April 15, 2026, at the United Center. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m proud of myself, especially after last game where it was probably one of my worst games of the season,\u201d Crevier said. \u201cIt was a little more important to finish strong. You want to leave a good impression.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perhaps it was because Wednesday was the last chance to do it, but the Hawks let the puck fly more than usual in the second half of the game. They outshot the Sharks 24-17 overall.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was in everybody\u2019s mind, we\u2019re young but we\u2019re professional (so) we came out hard,\u201d Crevier said. \u201cThat\u2019s what happens when we play our good hockey \u2014 we\u2019re a good team. We\u2019ve just got to be consistent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Added center Ryan Greene: \u201cIt was good we were able to hold the lead and get up by three there, put them away a little bit. Good effort from us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bedard notched two assists, ending his year with career highs in goals (30), assists (45) and points (75). He missed a dozen games with a right shoulder injury<\/a> and another from illness, so he finished the season with a 1.09 points-per-game average.<\/p>\n