Recap
The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime to continue their unbeaten streak in regulation. Next up is the Detroit Red Wings in Detroit on Sunday morning in a nationally televised game.
It was déjà vu for the start of the game as Columbus scored 31 seconds into the game. Vinny Prospal scored on a rebound after Ray Emery made the initial save. The game was physical early as Sheldon Brookbank fought Nick Foligno. The Hawks would tie the game late in the first when Viktor Stalberg slammed home a rebound past Steve Mason.
The second period would feature an explosion of scoring in the second half of the period. Columbus would take another lead at the 12:02 mark of the period when Artem Anisimov scored his fifth of the season. The Hawks would tie the game at the 17:20 mark when Patrick Sharp sent a backhand parallel to the goal that deflected off of Mason and into the net. The tie would not last long as just 59 seconds later Bryan Bickell would beat Mason with a wicked wrist shot.
The third period would feature back and forth action as both teams hit multiple goal posts. However, the Blue Jackets would tie the game when a funny bounce on a clearing attempt by Duncan Keith kept the puck in the zone. Ryan Johansen would get behind the defense and beat Emery with a forehand to backhand move to the top shelf. The game would go to overtime. Jonathan Toews rushed up ice freezing Mason. He fired a no look pass to Brent Seabrook who one timed it into an open net.
What it means
The Blackhawks are now 18-0-3 and their streak is now at 27 games without a regulation loss. The Hawks now have 39 points on the season and are in first place in the Western Conference.
3 stars of the game
3. Viktor Stalberg- Stalberg was great on the night. He had one goal and one assist. Going to the net paid off as Stalberg’s effort was key to his goal. This effort has been key to the third line as Stalberg brings energy as evidenced by his six shots on goal.
2. Jonathan Toews- Toews had another big game. He is a true superstar and came up in the clutch again. The move by Toews on the goal was absolutely filthy as he stared down Mason the whole way freezing him as he made a pass. Toews had one assist and won 10 of 18 faceoffs.
1. Brent Seabrook- Seabrook had a couple of good opportunities before his game winner. While his game winner is worthy of being the first star, don’t forget about his all around game. He was all over the ice. Seabrook had one goal, three shots on goal and three blocked shots. In addition, Seabrook delivered eight hits and led all Hawks skaters with 26:41 of ice time.
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