CHICAGO — In their first match under interim head coach Anders Sorensen, the Chicago Blackhawks faced the Winnipeg Jets and fell 4-2 on Saturday. Mark Scheifele provided the decisive third-period goal, while Kyle Connor contributed with two assists in the game.

The Jets managed to secure their second consecutive victory, bouncing back after a four-game losing streak. Mason Appleton was influential with a goal and an assist, and both Nino Niederreiter and Gabriel Vilardi tallied goals. The Jets’ goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, made 12 saves during the contest.

Sorensen stepped up to the coaching position following the dismissal of Luke Richardson just two days prior.

The Blackhawks found themselves initially in the lead with a 2-1 score before Niederreiter scored on a backhand chance 13 minutes and 10 seconds into the second period, successful in marking his 10th goal this season.

The Jets’ opponent saw a change in net 11 minutes into the game when Petr Mrazek appeared to re-injure his right groin, leading to Arvid Soderblom taking over goalkeeping duties.

Appleton sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 1:41 remaining in the period, solidifying the Jets’ position.

Key takeaways from the game revealed that Winnipeg dominated the final 30 minutes in terms of both shots and puck possession, while Chicago struggled to maintain offensive pressure, managing only 14 shots on goal.

An important moment came when Scheifele won a face-off against Jason Dickinson, setting up Winnipeg’s go-ahead goal as he passed to Connor and then charged toward the net for a potential rebound at the 10:18 mark.

Historically, the Blackhawks’ coaching staff, whether interim or permanent, holds a record of 6-7-1 in their inaugural games since the 1995-96 season. During Richardson’s debut at the start of the 2022-23 season, he also faced defeat.

Looking ahead, the Jets will commence a four-game homestand on Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are set to face the New York Rangers on Monday night.