Recap
The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on Friday night. They continue on their home stand when they play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday.
The game got off to a roaring start as there was up and down action in the first period. But the only goal would come on a rush with 15 seconds left when Patrick Marleau scored his 11th goal of the season. The Hawks outshot the Sharks 11-8 in the first period. The second period would feature much of the same but saw the Hawks dominate for most of the period. After a strong penalty kill, Patrick Kane would lead a rush up ice. He would find Viktor Stalberg who would take the puck to the goal line and throw a puck at the front of the net. The puck went off of the leg of Antti Niemi and into the back of the net to tie the game with just over three minutes to go in the period.
At the end of the second period the Hawks killed off a penalty; however, they would be right back on the penalty kill 27 seconds into the third period. After another strong penalty kill, Brandon Saad would lead a shorthanded rush. He would create some space between him and Brett Burns and fire the puck which through the small space between the pad and glove of Niemi. Saad’s goal came with three seconds left on the penalty. His shorthanded goal was his third goal of the season. Ray Emery would make several big saves down the way as the Hawks would hold on for another win.
What it means
The Hawks are now the sole record holder of the best start without a regulation loss. The Hawks are 14-0-3 and have eclipsed the mark that was previously held by the 2006-2007 Anaheim Ducks who started 12-0-4. With 31 points the Hawks are first in the Western Conference.
3 stars of the game
3. Johnny Oduya- Oduya had another great game as he was all over the ice. He had an assist on the goal by Stalberg. In addition, Oduya had 2 shots on goal and played over 20 minutes. Oduya has been a great all around defenseman and he joins the rush plus blocks shots like the three he did tonight.
2. Ray Emery- Emery had another good game. He has filled in admirably for Corey Crawford. On the night, Emery had 26 saves on 27 shots including 13 saves in the third period.
1. Brandon Saad- The more Saad plays, the more I’m convinced he is going to be a star. He came up huge on the penalty kill and his goal was a thing of beauty. Every game Saad shows that he is a two way player and he had three hits and two takeaways tonight.
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