Blackhawks' Oliver Moore Celebrates 21st Birthday with Knockout Punch and Shootout Win
In a thrilling turn of events, Blackhawks forward Oliver Moore's 21st birthday ended with him being bloodied but elated after the team secured a 4-3 shootout victory over the Hurricanes. The win marked a fitting conclusion to a rollercoaster night that saw the Hawks claim the lead three times only to concede an equalizer each time.
Moore, who dropped the gloves with Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin in the second period, took four ruthless punches but stood his ground for fellow rookie forward Nick Lardis. The Hawks' willingness to stand up for one another is a testament to their team culture, which coach Jeff Blashill described as "the kind of culture we're trying to build in here."
Moore's bravery paid off in overtime when he turned the puck over and gave the Hurricanes a two-on-one rush before getting a breakaway of his own. However, goalies Spencer Knight and Frederik Andersen made the saves in both directions, sending the game into a shootout.
In the sixth round of the shootout, Moore delivered a shot that sailed past Andersen to give the Hawks their first win against the Hurricanes since 2021. The goal was a fitting conclusion to the night, with coach Blashill describing it as "karma" for sticking up for his teammate.
Moore's performance was not without its highs and lows. He also earned an assist in the second period when he set up Lardis' goal using his speed, but struggled on the ice at times. Rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov, who received only five shifts in the third period and overtime combined, highlighted one of the low points of the night.
Despite the ebbs and flows, the Hawks remain within striking distance of a wild-card spot at 21-22-7, including an 8-5-1 record since Christmas. As coach Blashill noted, every day is a new opportunity for growth and improvement, and Moore's performance demonstrated that the Hawks are capable of getting back up after being knocked down.
"It was a good way to ring it in," Moore said with a grin, "Got beat up. Won a hockey game. That's all that matters."
In a thrilling turn of events, Blackhawks forward Oliver Moore's 21st birthday ended with him being bloodied but elated after the team secured a 4-3 shootout victory over the Hurricanes. The win marked a fitting conclusion to a rollercoaster night that saw the Hawks claim the lead three times only to concede an equalizer each time.
Moore, who dropped the gloves with Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin in the second period, took four ruthless punches but stood his ground for fellow rookie forward Nick Lardis. The Hawks' willingness to stand up for one another is a testament to their team culture, which coach Jeff Blashill described as "the kind of culture we're trying to build in here."
Moore's bravery paid off in overtime when he turned the puck over and gave the Hurricanes a two-on-one rush before getting a breakaway of his own. However, goalies Spencer Knight and Frederik Andersen made the saves in both directions, sending the game into a shootout.
In the sixth round of the shootout, Moore delivered a shot that sailed past Andersen to give the Hawks their first win against the Hurricanes since 2021. The goal was a fitting conclusion to the night, with coach Blashill describing it as "karma" for sticking up for his teammate.
Moore's performance was not without its highs and lows. He also earned an assist in the second period when he set up Lardis' goal using his speed, but struggled on the ice at times. Rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov, who received only five shifts in the third period and overtime combined, highlighted one of the low points of the night.
Despite the ebbs and flows, the Hawks remain within striking distance of a wild-card spot at 21-22-7, including an 8-5-1 record since Christmas. As coach Blashill noted, every day is a new opportunity for growth and improvement, and Moore's performance demonstrated that the Hawks are capable of getting back up after being knocked down.
"It was a good way to ring it in," Moore said with a grin, "Got beat up. Won a hockey game. That's all that matters."
what a birthday present for him, though! 4-3 is a crazy comeback win. I love how he stood up for his teammate Nick Lardis too, that's all about team culture and loyalty 
Coach Blashill's right on point, every day's a new chance to improve, even if it's just getting back up after being knocked down 
! The Hawks' willingness to stand up for each other is so inspiring, it shows their awesome team culture 
. Coach Blashill said "karma" was on Moore's side after he stood up for Nick Lardis... fair point 
. I mean, the kid got a bit roughed up but still managed to deliver that sweet shootout win 
. Can't wait to see what's next for this young squad! 
. think he's gonna be a star for the hawks... all those toughness talks from blashill are paying off already 
. but gotta say, artyom levshunov got roasted out there 
. still, 4-3 shootout win is nothing to sneeze at. that's some serious come-from-behind magic 
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The team culture might be soundin' good, but maybe they're just lookin' for guys willing to take one for the team? And that rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov only got five shifts in overtime, what a waste of potential talent 
. I mean, I guess it's all about karma and gettin' back up after bein' knocked down... but I'm not buyin' it 
frederik andersen got outsmarted by the kid though 
gotta respect moore's confidence and team vibes coach blashill said he was sticking up for his teammate, but honestly it was more like he was sticking it to the opposition 
coach blashill is so right, every day is a new chance to grow and improve as a team. can't wait to see what's next for oliver moore and the blackhawks 
i mean, 4-3 shootout win? that's wild. but seriously, who lets a 21-year-old rookie get into a fight in the second period? 
. I mean, the kid gets knocked around on the ice and still manages to come out on top. It's not just about winning, it's about being part of a team that has each other's backs 
They're all about standing up for each other and supporting each other through thick and thin. That's something to be proud of, imo! 
It's amazing to see a team that's not just fighting for wins, but also for each other.
"Got beat up. Won a hockey game. That's all that matters." I mean, who needs drama when you can just have fun and win games, am I right?! 
He went toe-to-toe with Alexander Nikishin and stood his ground, even after getting dropped the gloves four times. Talk about being a team player, but also a bit reckless, right? 
but you know what? it paid off in the best way possible! i love how coach blashill is all about building that team culture where everyone sticks up for each other 
moore's bravery is definitely something to be admired, especially when you consider he also scored an assist earlier in the game 
anyway,hawks fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they're still in the wild-card mix 
️ love how his team stands up for each other too it shows they got heart 
and coach blashill's vibes are so positive about their growth and improvement gotta say, oliver moore is def one to watch 
i mean i get it he was just trying to stand up for his teammate but wow that's some next level stuff 
! he shows up & drops the gloves like 4 punches 
but still sticks up for his teammate nick lardis 
in a huge display of team culture 
, with 3 leads & 3 equalizers 
️
. The Hawks' team culture is so strong, it's awesome to see the guys fighting for each other 
. Coach Blashill's quote about "karma" for sticking up for Moore is everything