Blackhawks separate themselves from bottom tier with home-opening win over Sharks

The Blackhawks did something Thursday that they haven’t done often the last few years: controlled play for three consecutive periods.

They took an early step toward differentiating themselves from the NHL’s bottom tier by comfortably beating the Sharks 4-2 in their home opener at the United Center. They’re now 2-2-1.

Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen set up power-play goals by Tyler Bertuzzi and Nick Foligno in the last minute of the first period and the opening minute of the second period, respectively, to break open a 3-0 lead.

The Hawks coasted the rest of the way. That they could do so and still win handily reflects the improvement of their roster. They had a 29-18 advantage in scoring chances, and goalie Petr Mrazek (20 saves) prevented the Sharks — who were without injured No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini — from threatening too much in the third period.

“Our goal was to start well, and we did that,” coach Luke Richardson said. “There’s a lot more experience in that room now, and they get on each other to stay on the game plan, and we stay a little more consistent. I’m happy with how we’ve played — I keep adding on games [to the list], but except for that first period of the season.”

Teravainen’s productive night gives him an impressive seven points in his first five games back on the Hawks. He has especially helped elevate the power play. Taylor Hall also scored his first goal since Nov. 5 of last year, shortly before he underwent ACL surgery.

Reichel in flux

Lukas Reichel has not improved most of his skills as fast as the Hawks anticipated and hoped over the last two years, but one thing he definitely has improved is his mental resilience.

Even being a healthy scratch in the Hawks’ first four games — before finally returning to the lineup against the Sharks — somehow didn’t derail his confidence.

“Of course you’re [ticked off] and you’re upset because you can’t play,” Reichel said Thursday morning.

“I love the game, and if someone takes it from you, you want to go out there and play. But I couldn’t control it. Now I get my chance, and I want to take it.”

Even though he was dressed and sitting on the bench, that didn’t mean he got to spend much time on the ice.

Richardson gave him only 8:31 of ice time as the fourth-line center between Pat Maroon and Craig Smith.

That’s not a role that will work for Reichel long term. General manager Kyle Davidson said during training camp that the Hawks “don’t want him playing on the fourth line,” and he struggled when the Hawks tried to make him a center early last season. For now, though, it’s as much as Richardson is willing to give.

First man down

The Hawks received their first injury-related news of the season as defenseman Alec Martinez was put on injured reserve with a strained right groin.

Martinez’s absence forced Richardson to reunite Alex Vlasic and Seth Jones on the top pair — something he seemed interested in doing during home games anyway because he has last change and doesn’t need to balance the pairs equally.

Meanwhile, veteran backup goalie Laurent Brossoit (meniscus) and rookie defenseman Artyom Levshunov (foot) aren’t quite ready to join team practices, Richardson said. Levshunov, wearing a suit, received a cheer when introduced to the United Center crowd.