Blackhawks: Rapid Reaction
Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 2, Wild 1
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
10:37
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 2-1 overtime win over the Minnesota Wild at the United Center on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

How it happened: Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell continued to be a playoff star as he scored the game-winner in overtime off a pass from Viktor Stalberg. It was Bickell’s fifth playoff goal in the past three seasons. The eighth-seeded Wild initially shocked the sold-out Blackhawks crowd by scoring on their first shot of the game. The Wild went ahead 1-0 when Cal Clutterbuck beat Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford from the left circle at 4:48 of the first period. Crawford bounced back from the early goal and stopped the Wild’s next 26 shots. The Blackhawks evened the game at 1-1 when Patrick Kane dished the puck off to Marian Hossa on the rush, and Hossa finished from the left circle at 2:06 of the second period. Wild goaltender Josh Harding replaced Niklas Backstrom as the team’s starter just before the game. Harding, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis earlier this year, played in five games during the regular season. He made 36 saves.
Player of the game: Harding stepped up in a difficult situation. He hadn’t started since Jan. 30 and found out just before Tuesday’s game he was going to have to replace Backstrom. In his last start, which also happened to be against the Blackhawks, he allowed two goals on four shots and was pulled from the game.
What it means: The Blackhawks and Wild played in some tight games during the regular season, and that carried over into their first game of the playoffs. Two of the teams’ three regular-season games were decided by one goal. Both were also two of the top teams in the league in one-goal games. The Blackhawks were 19-3-5 in one-goal games in the regular season, and the Wild were 13-5-3. The Wild proved they’re not going to allow the Blackhawks to roll through the first round. The Wild kept themselves in the game most of the night by getting in the way of the Blackhawks’ shots. The Wild blocked 21 shots. The Blackhawks played in five overtime games in the first round last season and two in the opening round in 2011. Eight of the Blackhawks’ last nine playoff games dating back to 2011 have gone to overtime.
What’s next: Game 2 of the series will be held in Chicago on Friday. The series will then move to Minnesota for the following two games.
Rapid Reaction: Hawks 3, Flames 1
April, 26, 2013
Apr 26
10:11
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames at the United Center on Friday.

How it happened: Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane briefly took the team lead in goals by notching his 23rd of the season at 9:34 of the first period. Less than four minutes later, Jonathan Toews caught up to his Kane with his 23rd goal of the season. Marcus Kruger added a third goal for the Blackhawks in the third period. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 25 saves and improved to 19-5-5 on the season. Chris Butler scored a short-handed goal in the second period for the Flames.
Player of the game: Toews scored his fifth game-winning goal of the season. He ranks second on the Blackhawks behind Marian Hossa, who has six game-winners.
What it means: The Blackhawks didn’t have much to play for Friday. They already secured the Presidents’ Trophy earlier in the week. With Friday’s win, they improved to 36-6-5 with an NHL-best 75 points. It could have been the final regular-season game for a number of Blackhawks starters. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is expected to sit a number of regulars on Saturday after recalling nine players from the AHL on Friday. The Flames finished their season with a 19-25-4 record.
What’s next: The Blackhawks close out the regular season on the road against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. The Blackhawks are 3-0-1 against the Blues this season.

How it happened: Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane briefly took the team lead in goals by notching his 23rd of the season at 9:34 of the first period. Less than four minutes later, Jonathan Toews caught up to his Kane with his 23rd goal of the season. Marcus Kruger added a third goal for the Blackhawks in the third period. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 25 saves and improved to 19-5-5 on the season. Chris Butler scored a short-handed goal in the second period for the Flames.
Player of the game: Toews scored his fifth game-winning goal of the season. He ranks second on the Blackhawks behind Marian Hossa, who has six game-winners.
What it means: The Blackhawks didn’t have much to play for Friday. They already secured the Presidents’ Trophy earlier in the week. With Friday’s win, they improved to 36-6-5 with an NHL-best 75 points. It could have been the final regular-season game for a number of Blackhawks starters. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is expected to sit a number of regulars on Saturday after recalling nine players from the AHL on Friday. The Flames finished their season with a 19-25-4 record.
What’s next: The Blackhawks close out the regular season on the road against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. The Blackhawks are 3-0-1 against the Blues this season.
Rapid Reaction: Canucks 3, Blackhawks 1
April, 22, 2013
Apr 22
11:38
PM CT
By Jim Morris | Special to ESPNChicago.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Here's a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 3-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on Monday:

How it happened: The Blackhawks were the second-best team on the ice all night. Vancouver played a physical game, denying the Blackhawks time and space. Chicago had difficulty breaking out of its own end and didn't get many clear shots at Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider. Daniel Carcillo scored Chicago's lone goal on a backhand during a scramble late in the third period. The Blackhawks were outshot 32-25 and goaltender Corey Crawford kept them in the game early, making key stops off Derek Roy and Jason Garrison.
Player of the game: The Canucks' Daniel Sedin broke open the game with breakaway goal late in the second period, then took a slash from Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith. Sedin also assisted on Zack Kassian's goal and moves into second place on Vancouver's all-time scoring list behind brother Henrik.
What it means: The Blackhawks suffered just their sixth regulation loss of the season. It was the first time in 12 games the Blackhawks failed to gain at least a point. The Hawks remain in first in the Western Conference with a 34-6-5 record but their lead over Pittsburgh for first place overall has been reduced to three points. Dave Bolland left the game with a lower-body injury.
What's next: The Blackhawks travel to Edmonton where they will play the Oilers Wednesday. The Blackhawks defeated the Oilers 3-2 on Feb. 25 but lost 6-5 on March 10.
Rapid Reaction: Coyotes 3, Hawks 2 (SO)
April, 20, 2013
Apr 20
10:42
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here's a quick look at the Phoenix Coyotes' 3-2 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on Saturday.

How it happened: The Coyotes outscored the Blackhawks 2-1 in the shootout to pull out the road win. Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith made 36 saves and stopped two shootout shots. Defenseman Brent Seabrook, who turned 28 on Saturday, scored both of the Blackhawks' goals, both of which came on the power play. The Blackhawks have scored four power-play goals in the last two games after not scoring one in their previous nine games. Rostislav Klesla and Radim Vrbata scored the Coyotes' two regulation goals. Klesla's goal came when he flung the puck from near center ice, and it bounced toward the net and past Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford. The Blackhawks killed all five of the Coyotes' power plays. The Blackhawks outshot the Coyotes 38-31. Crawford made 29 saves.
Player of the game: Smith kept the Coyotes in the game with a number of tremendous saves. He stopped 15 shots in the first period and finished with 36 saves in 38 shots.
What it means: The Blackhawks had their seven-game winning streak snapped, but extended their points streak to 11 games. They are now 34-5-5 with an NHL-best 73 points. The Blackhawks are 19-3-5 in one-goal games and 6-5 in shootouts this season. The Blackhawks had their largest crowd of the season with a paid attendance of 22,272.
What's next: The Blackhawks head to Canada for their next two games. They will play the Vancouver Canucks on Monday and the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.
Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 5, Predators 4
April, 19, 2013
Apr 19
10:27
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 5-4 overtime win over the Nashville Predators at the United Center on Friday.

How it happened: Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa scored the game-winner on a 4-on-3 power play in overtime. It was the Blackhawks’ second power-play goal of the game after having not scored on the power play in their previous nine games. The Predators’ Bobby Butler tied the game at 4-4 with a goal with 3:34 remaining in the third period. Michal Handzus, Duncan Keith, Brandon Saad and Patrick Kane also scored for the Blackhawks. Matt Halischuk had two goals for the Predators.
Player of the game: Hossa scored his team-leading sixth game-winning goal of the season.
What it means: The Blackhawks extended their winning streak to seven games and their points streak to 10 games. They improved to 34-5-4 with 72 points on the season. They defeated the Predators in all five meetings this season.
What’s next: The Blackhawks remain in Chicago to face the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday. The Blackhawks defeated the Coyotes 6-4 and 6-2 in their two previous meetings this season.
Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 5, Stars 2
April, 15, 2013
Apr 15
9:46
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here's a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars at the United Center on Monday:

How it happened: The Blackhawks allowed an early goal in the third period to tie the game at 2-2, but they bounced back with three unanswered goals in the period to pull out the win. Andrew Shaw gave the Blackhawks a 3-2 advantage at 4:31, and Niklas Hjalmarsson provided another goal at 7:46. Marian Hossa, who had three points in the game, scored an empty-netter in the final minute. Jamie Benn scored both goals for the Stars. Jonathan Toews and Viktor Stalberg accounted for the Blackhawks' first two goals. Toews now leads the Blackhawks with 21 goals. Blackhawks goaltender Ray Emery made 15 saves and improved to 16-1-0 on the season. The Blackhawks failed on four power-play chances and haven't scored a power-play goal since March 29.
Player of the game: Shaw scored his second game-winner of the year. He also had an assist in Monday's win and now has 15 points on the season.
What it means: The Blackhawks extended their winning streak to six games while snapping the Stars' five-game winning streak. The Blackhawks are also on an eight-game points streak. They improved to 33-5-4 with an NHL-best 70 points. The Stars fell to 21-18-3 with 45 points and still trail the Detroit Red Wings by two points for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Blackhawks defeated the Stars in all three games this season.
What's next: The Blackhawks continue their three-game home stand with the Nashville Predators on Friday and the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday.
Rapid Reaction: Hawks 3, Red Wings 2 (SO)
April, 12, 2013
Apr 12
10:29
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here's a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 3-2 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center on Friday:

How it happened: Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews came through with a game-tying goal with 2:57 left in the third period to force extra time. The Red Wings led throughout the third period after going ahead 2-1 in the second period. In the shootout, the Blackhawks outscored the Red Wings 2-1 in five rounds. Marian Hossa and Brandon Saad scored in the shootout for Chicago. The Blackhawks first went up 1-0 with a goal by Viktor Stalberg in the second period, and the Red Wings answered with two consecutive goals. Johan Franzen tied the game at 15:40 of the second period and Cory Emmerton put the Red Wings ahead with another goal at 17:39. Franzen's goal came on the power play and snapped the Blackhawks' streak of 21 consecutive power plays without allowing goal. The Blackhawks hadn't given up a power-play goal since March 16. The Blackhawks were also shut out on two power-play chances. They haven't scored on the power play since March 29. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 27 saves, and Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard had 26 saves.
Player of the game: Toews came through in the clutch again. It was his 20th goal of the season.
What it means: The Blackhawks clinched the Central Division with Friday's victory and with the St. Louis Blues losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets. It's the Blackhawks' first division title since the 2009-2010 season. The Blackhawks also swept the season series against the Red Wings. They hadn't accomplished that since the 1976-77 season. The Blackhawks improved to 31-5-4 with 66 points. The Red Wings remained the Western Conference's No. 8 seed as they picked up another point and now have 45 points.
What's next: The Blackhawks travel to face the St. Louis Blues at 11:30 a.m. CT Sunday. The Blackhawks are 2-0-1 against the Blues this season.

How it happened: Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews came through with a game-tying goal with 2:57 left in the third period to force extra time. The Red Wings led throughout the third period after going ahead 2-1 in the second period. In the shootout, the Blackhawks outscored the Red Wings 2-1 in five rounds. Marian Hossa and Brandon Saad scored in the shootout for Chicago. The Blackhawks first went up 1-0 with a goal by Viktor Stalberg in the second period, and the Red Wings answered with two consecutive goals. Johan Franzen tied the game at 15:40 of the second period and Cory Emmerton put the Red Wings ahead with another goal at 17:39. Franzen's goal came on the power play and snapped the Blackhawks' streak of 21 consecutive power plays without allowing goal. The Blackhawks hadn't given up a power-play goal since March 16. The Blackhawks were also shut out on two power-play chances. They haven't scored on the power play since March 29. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 27 saves, and Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard had 26 saves.
Player of the game: Toews came through in the clutch again. It was his 20th goal of the season.
What it means: The Blackhawks clinched the Central Division with Friday's victory and with the St. Louis Blues losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets. It's the Blackhawks' first division title since the 2009-2010 season. The Blackhawks also swept the season series against the Red Wings. They hadn't accomplished that since the 1976-77 season. The Blackhawks improved to 31-5-4 with 66 points. The Red Wings remained the Western Conference's No. 8 seed as they picked up another point and now have 45 points.
What's next: The Blackhawks travel to face the St. Louis Blues at 11:30 a.m. CT Sunday. The Blackhawks are 2-0-1 against the Blues this season.
Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 1, Wild 0
April, 9, 2013
Apr 9
9:44
PM CT
By Ben Goessling | Special to ESPNChicago.com
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Here's a quick look at the Blackhawks' 1-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday night.

How it happened: The Blackhawks only won by a goal, but the final margin could have been bigger. Chicago controlled play for long stretches of the game, possessing the puck at Minnesota's end of the ice, and outshot the Wild 31-20. Jonathan Toews had a would-be goal blown dead in the first period, and Nick Leddy hit the crossbar in the second period. When Marian Hossa scored his first goal since March 16, slicing in front of a Clayton Stoner pass to Mikko Koivu and beating Niklas Backstrom, it would be all Chicago needed.
Player of the game: Hossa made an impressive play on the goal, picking off Stoner's pass in stride and burying his shot. He also was involved in the scrum on Toews' goal that was blown dead, and took two other shots in the game. And Ray Emery improved to 15-1 with his third shutout in his last five games. Emery continues to enhance his case as the No. 1 goalie. He made 20 saves in his third straight start.
What it means: The Blackhawks moved two points closer to securing the top spot in the Western Conference playoffs. They now lead Anaheim by five points, with a game in hand, and seem all but assured of the No. 1 seed.
What's next: Chicago returns home for two days off before playing host to the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night.

How it happened: The Blackhawks only won by a goal, but the final margin could have been bigger. Chicago controlled play for long stretches of the game, possessing the puck at Minnesota's end of the ice, and outshot the Wild 31-20. Jonathan Toews had a would-be goal blown dead in the first period, and Nick Leddy hit the crossbar in the second period. When Marian Hossa scored his first goal since March 16, slicing in front of a Clayton Stoner pass to Mikko Koivu and beating Niklas Backstrom, it would be all Chicago needed.
Player of the game: Hossa made an impressive play on the goal, picking off Stoner's pass in stride and burying his shot. He also was involved in the scrum on Toews' goal that was blown dead, and took two other shots in the game. And Ray Emery improved to 15-1 with his third shutout in his last five games. Emery continues to enhance his case as the No. 1 goalie. He made 20 saves in his third straight start.
What it means: The Blackhawks moved two points closer to securing the top spot in the Western Conference playoffs. They now lead Anaheim by five points, with a game in hand, and seem all but assured of the No. 1 seed.
What's next: Chicago returns home for two days off before playing host to the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night.
Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 5, Predators 3
April, 7, 2013
Apr 7
8:49
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators at the United Center on Sunday.

How it happened: The Blackhawks responded from a one-goal deficit in third period to score two consecutive goals within 65 seconds to capture the win. After the Predators’ David Legwand put his team ahead 3-2 at 6:54 of the third period, Brandon Saad scored for the Blackhawks at 9:37 to tie the game, and Jonathan Toews put the Blackhawks ahead at 10:32. Patrick Kane added an empty-netter in the third period. Andrew Shaw and Bryan Bickell also scored for the Blackhawks. Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne made 35 saves, and Blackhawks goaltender Ray Emery made 20 saves and improved to 14-1-0.
Player of the game: Toews provided the game-winner. He also had an assist. He has 19 goals on the season.
What it means: The Blackhawks clinched a playoff spot with the victory. They defeated the Predators for the third time in the last week. The Blackhawks improved to 29-5-4 with an NHL-best 62 points. The Predators haven’t won on the road since March 12.
What’s next: The Blackhawks are back on the road as they travel to face the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.
Rapid Reaction: Blues 4, Hawks 3 (SO)
April, 4, 2013
Apr 4
10:32
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here's a quick look at the St. Louis Blues' 4-3 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on Thursday.

How it happened: The Blackhawks looked like they were headed toward another third-period collapse. The Blackhawks surrendered a 2-1 lead when they allowed the Blues to score the first two goals of the third period. Viktor Stalberg saved the day for the Blackhawks by tying the game with 4:29 left. It was his first goal since March 1. In the shootout, the Blues outscored the Blackhawks 4-3 in six rounds. Adam Cracknell accounted for the Blues' first two goals, and David Backes scored the third one. Jonathan Toews, who also had an assist, and Brandon Saad also scored for the Blackhawks. Blues goaltender Brian Elliott made 33 saves, and Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 19 saves.
Player of the game: Cracknell scored his first two goals of the season.
What it means: The Blackhawks pulled out one point, but their third-period play still has to be a concern. They've dominated teams in the first and second periods this season, but they've been outscored 32-30 in third periods. Blackhawks are now 27-5-4 with 58 points. The Blues improved to 19-14-2 with 40 points.
What's next: The Blackhawks will face the Nashville Predators in back-to-back games this week. They will play in Nashville on Saturday and in Chicago on Sunday. The Blackhawks defeated the Predators 3-2 in a shootout on Monday.
Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 3, Predators 2
April, 1, 2013
Apr 1
10:34
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 3-2 shootout win over the Nashville Predators at the United Center on Monday.

How it happened: The Blackhawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead after two periods, but the Predators fought back to tie the game in the third period and force overtime. The Predators’ David Legwand scored the first goal at 3:56 of the third period, and Taylor Beck evened the game with a goal at 7:26. Brandon Saad and Patrick Kane accounted for the Blackhawks’ regulation goals. Jonathan Toews and Michal Rozsival scored in the five-round shootout for the Blackhawks. Chicago goaltender Corey Crawford stopped four out of five shootout shots for the win. Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne made 38 saves.
Player of the game: Rinne kept the Predators in the game. He stopped 17 shots in the second period alone.
What it means: The third period has been an area of concern for the Blackhawks recently. The Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks recently defeated the Blackhawks by outplaying them in the third period. It was more of the same in Monday’s game. After outshooting the Predators 18-4 in the second period, the Blackhawks were outshot 15-9 in the final period. The Blackhawks improved to 27-5-3 and an NHL-best 57 points.
What’s next: The Blackhawks remain home to face the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. The Blackhawks are 2-0 against the Blues this season. They will play three times in April.
Rapid Reaction: Hawks 7, Red Wings 1
March, 31, 2013
Mar 31
2:13
PM CT
By Chuck Pleiness | ESPNChicago.com
DETROIT -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 7-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on Sunday.

How it happened: The Blackhawks were all over the Wings early and often at the start of the first and second periods to win for just the second time in their last five games. Chicago opened things up with three goals on its first three shots of the game, spread out over just a minute and 39 seconds apart. That was followed by a pair of goals eight seconds apart to start the second period as the Blackhawks coasted to their third win in three tries over Detroit. The other two meetings between the teams resulted in identical 2-1 overtime wins for Chicago.
Line of the game: Chicago’s “new” top line of Brandon Saad, Jonathan Toews and Michael Frolik, who’s filling in for an injured Marian Hossa, was all that. The line combined for seven points -- three goals and four assists -- and finished a plus-9. Saad led the way with a pair of goals and an assist, while Toews had a goal and two assists. Frolik added an assist. All three players were a plus-3.
More players of the game: Dave Bolland netted a pair of goals on two shots after going 14 straight without one. Goalie Corey Crawford made 33 saves, losing his bid for his third shutout of the season and eighth of his career with 33 seconds left to play in the third period.
What it means: The Blackhawks’ chase for the Presidents’ Trophy, which is awarded to the team that finishes with the most points in the league, got back on track with the win. Chicago now has 55 points this season, just a point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins, who lead the Eastern Conference.
What’s next: The Blackhawks host the Nashville Predators on Monday at 7:30 p.m..
Rapid Reaction: Ducks 2, Blackhawks 1
March, 29, 2013
Mar 29
10:15
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Anaheim Ducks' 2-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on Friday.

How it happened: Ducks defenseman Sheldon Souray broke a 1-1 tie with a long slapshot with 2:08 left in the third period. Ducks forward Corey Perry gave the Ducks a 1-0 lead by beating Blackhawks goaltender Ray Emery from the right circle in the second period. Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane evened the game with a power-play goal early in the third period. Emery suffered his first loss of the season and fell to 12-1-0. He allowed both goals and made 22 saves. Ducks goaltender Jonas Hiller had 25 saves. Kane extended his point streak to eight games. It’s his second eight-game point streak of the season.
Player of the game: The Ducks broke the Blackhawks’ hearts in the third period for the third consecutive game, and this time it was Souray who was responsible for it.
What it means: The Ducks swept their three-game series with the Blackhawks, winning twice in regulation and once in a shootout. The Ducks pulled within three points of the Blackhawks in the Western Conference standings. The Blackhawks are 25-5-3 with 53 points, and the Ducks are 23-7-4 with 50 points. The Ducks also snapped a four-game losing streak with the win. The Blackhawks fell to 14-3-3 in one-goal games, and the Ducks improved to 12-1-4 in one-goal games.
What’s next: The Blackhawks are back on the road after a three-game homestand. The Blackhawks face the Detroit Red Wings at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. The Blackhawks defeated the Red Wings 2-1 in a shootout in a memorable game in Detroit on March 3.
Rapid Reaction: Hawks 2, Flames 0
March, 26, 2013
Mar 26
10:18
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 2-0 win over the Calgary Flames at the United Center on Tuesday.

How it happened: The Blackhawks created plenty of chances and kept the Flames from doing the same. The Blackhawks outshot the Flames 35-16, including 16-3 in the second period. Blackhawks defensemen accounted for both goals. Nick Leddy put a shot through Flames goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff's 5-hole for the first goal in the first period, and Brent Seabrook scored from the right circle in the second period. Blackhawks goaltender Ray Emery made 16 saves and notched his first shutout of the season. He’s 12-0-0 on the season.
Player of the game: Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane provided an assist on both goals. Kane has a seven-game point streak, which has included five goals and nine assists. He has 41 points on the season.
What it means: The Blackhawks needed this one after losing their previous two games. They improved to 25-4-3 with an NHL-best 53 points. Despite the win, the Blackhawks’ power play continued to struggle. They were 0-for-5 on power-play opportunities and have scored one power-play goal in the last four games.
What’s next: The Blackhawks have two days off before hosting the Anaheim Ducks on Friday. The Ducks defeated the Blackhawks in a shootout on Feb. 12.
DENVER -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center Monday.

How it happened: Picking the ice shavings out of his teeth all night, this was the last team a shaken Avs goalie Semyon Varlamov wanted to face. Coming off an eight-goal parade in Dallas, the Blackhawks punished the struggling Varlamov in the Mile High City, where their points streak ended just over a week ago. Early, Jimmy Hayes turned a Patrick Kane pass into a 360-degree spin-around goal in the crease. And moments later, Andrew Shaw made it 2-0 less than five minutes into the game. The Avs would answer late in the period with a shorthanded goal from captain Gabriel Landeskog, but Monday was rarely in doubt for the visiting team. Kane and Brent Seabrook each scored in the second and captain Jonathan Toews' goal sent the fans home with 3:30 remaining.
Player of the game: Kane was the best player on the ice once again for the Hawks. For the second straight game he collected three points with two assists and a goal. On Monday he scored the deciding goal midway through the second period when he took a deflection from the net and ripped it.
What it means: The Blackhawks have won three straight after dropping two consecutive. On their three-game win streak they won one in a shootout followed by two in rout fashion. They have scored 13 goals in two games. So much for the hangover after their points streak finally came to an end 25 games into the season.
What's next: The Blackhawks close their four-game game road trip against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday.

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TEAM LEADERS
| POINTS | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Patrick Kane
|
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| OTHER LEADERS | ||||||||||||
| Goals | P. Kane | 23 | ||||||||||
| Assists | P. Kane | 32 | ||||||||||
| +/- | J. Toews | 28 | ||||||||||
| GAA | R. Emery | 1.94 | ||||||||||


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