SAN JOSE – In a thrilling match, Will Smith made headlines by scoring the first two goals of his NHL career, showcasing his exceptional skills, while goalie Mackenzie Blackwood delivered a stellar performance with several crucial saves down the stretch, leading the San Jose Sharks to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night. This win marks the Sharks’ third consecutive triumph, underscoring their momentum in the early part of the 2023-24 season.
Smith, who had been on the hunt for his first NHL goal, finally broke through at the 6:52 mark of the first period, sending a perfectly executed shot past Blackhawks goalie Petr Mrazek. He followed up with a second goal at the 10:42 mark of the second period, this time on a power play, that granted the Sharks a 3-2 edge.
Blackwood was an immovable wall in net, particularly during the third period when the Blackhawks aggressively pressed, trying to regain control. He made 13 saves in that final frame alone, wrapping up the game with a remarkable total of 29 stops, ensuring the Sharks maintained their lead in a tense finish.
Alexander Wennberg also added a goal for the Sharks, contributing to the team’s performance as they prepare for their upcoming game on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks, continuing their homestand.
After starting his Sharks tenure without a point in his first eight games, Smith’s breakthrough on Thursday was a significant relief. He had been eager to score, and with his first goal finally in the books, he expressed his relief and newfound confidence in a post-game interview. “I’ve had a lot of chances, and seeing one go in definitely helps,” Smith remarked on NBC Sports California at the first intermission. “Now the pressure’s off, so just play.”
His first goal came with perfect positioning near the faceoff dot to the right of the Blackhawks’ net. After receiving a quick pass from his linemate Luke Kunin, Smith unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, igniting the crowd and his teammates with enthusiasm.
With Blackhawks winger Craig Smith in the penalty box, Will Smith seized another opportunity. He gathered a loose puck near the slot and unleashed a swift shot that zipped past a stunned Mrazek, effectively sealing the game for the Sharks. This performance was especially meaningful as it was both his and Tomas Hertl’s third NHL game, with Hertl notably netting four times in a single match at SAP Center earlier in his career.
Leading up to the game, Smith held a motivational conversation with Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, which seemed to spark his confidence. Additionally, moments before puck drop, Sharks’ radio voice Dan Rusanowsky wished him good luck, to which Smith confidently replied, “Tonight’s the night.”
At just 19 years old, Smith was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and had a stunning collegiate season, leading all NCAA Division I players with an impressive 71 points in just 41 games. Prior to his breakout on Thursday, he averaged 13:34 in ice time per game and had registered 11 shots on target.
The Blackhawks managed to respond quickly, scoring two goals in just 1:37 to temporarily take a 2-1 lead. Former Sharks player Ryan Donato netted his sixth goal of the season at the 7:29 mark, and Tyler Bertuzzi followed just 50 seconds later, taking advantage of the Sharks’ momentary lapse.
Originally Published: October 31, 2024 at 9:59 PM PDT
**Interview with Will Smith, San Jose Sharks Forward**
**Interviewer:** Will, congratulations on an impressive night! Scoring your first two NHL goals must feel incredible. Can you take us through the emotions you felt when that first puck hit the net?
**Will Smith:** Thank you! It was such a relief, honestly. I had been waiting for that moment for what felt like forever. When the puck went in, all my hard work paid off. It’s a feeling I can’t really describe. Just pure joy and excitement.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your post-game interview that you’ve had many chances prior to this game. How did you manage to stay focused and positive during that stretch without scoring?
**Will Smith:** It definitely wasn’t easy. Every game, I was trying to stay mentally strong and keep doing what I do best. I kept telling myself that as long as I was generating chances, it was just a matter of time. I leaned on my teammates for support, and they really helped me stay confident.
**Interviewer:** Your second goal came during a power play. How important was it for you and the team to capitalize on those opportunities against the Blackhawks?
**Will Smith:** Power plays are crucial in every game. We work hard to execute our plays, and it was great to see it pay off. Scoring during a power play not only boosts your confidence but also helps build momentum for the team. It’s a big part of our strategy, and I’m glad I could contribute.
**Interviewer:** Mackenzie Blackwood had an outstanding game, especially in the third period. What were your thoughts as you watched him make those crucial saves?
**Will Smith:** Incredible. Mackenzie was a wall out there! We knew Chicago would push hard to come back, but he stood tall, making key saves that kept us in the lead. It’s reassuring to have a goalie like him backing us up, especially in tense moments.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, you have a game against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. How do you plan to build on this victory and your performance?
**Will Smith:** We just need to carry this momentum into the next game. We’re building chemistry as a team, and I think this win will help us continue to grow. Personally, I’m going to stay focused, keep pushing for opportunities, and hopefully contribute more to our scoring.
**Interviewer:** Fantastic outlook, Will. Congratulations again on your performance, and good luck against the Canucks!
**Will Smith:** Thank you! I appreciate it. Looking forward to the next game!
