In his first preseason game, Brandon Saad scored a hat trick with the Chicago Blackhawks. On Thursday night, he duplicated the feat as he netted three goals in the team’s astonishing 10-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Saad, who was traded to the Blackhawks over the offseason after spending the first three seasons of his NHL career in Chicago, not only helped lead the team to a blowout victory over the defending Stanley Cup champions, but he also joined an incredibly exclusive club along the way:
According to Elias Sports Bureau, Saad is the first Blackhawks player to notch a hat trick in the team’s season opener since the great Bobby Hull achieved that feat on Oct. 23, 1965 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Saad became just the second Blackhawks player to ever notch three goals on opening night thanks to his clutch performance.
Chicago Blackhawks Walk the Red Carpet Ahead of Home Opener
The Blackhawks’ winger may have scored three goals against his hometown team on Thursday, but he’ll have just as much motivation to succeed on Saturday. The Blackhawks will battle Saad’s former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, at the United Center for their second game of the season.
