Photo Credit: Associated Press
After extending their point streak to 22 on Sunday, the Blackhawks returned to the United Center on Tuesday looking to keep their streak alive. With more national media coverage, the excitement continues to grow as well as the pressure on the Hawks. But that was not apparent against the Wild.
The start of the first period got off to a rough start with a penalty to David Bolland, who returned to action tonight after an injury sidelined him for two weeks. After a few chances for the Hawks, the Wild were the first to strike 8:22 into the first period with a goal by Setoguchi. But the Hawks responded quickly and often. Saad, who finished with three points, got the scoring started for the Hawks . Shortly after, Bickell added his a pair of goals for the Hawks, giving them a 3-1 lead. But they weren’t done yet. with 1:15 left in the first, Hossa found the back of the net.
After a lot of scoring in the first, neither teams were able to score in the second period and the Hawks carried their three goal lead into the third. But the Wild weren’t going to leave without a fight. After a hooking penalty on Hjalmarsson, Suter snapped one past Crawford, drawing the Wild within two. About seven minutes later, Brodziak tapped in a rebound and the Wild found themselves down just one. But that was as close as they would come. Kane came up with another clutch goal for the Hawks and put the game out of reach. Hawks knock off the Wild by a score of 5-3.
Not only was this their 23 straight game this season with a point, but tonight was the first time in franchise history that the Hawks have won 10 games in a row. Also, dating back the last year’s regular season, the Hawks have 29 consecutive games with a point. The record is 35 by the ’79-80 Philadelphia Flyers.
Three Stars:
3. Chi; RW Marian Hossa: 1G, 1P, 1SOG
2. Chi; LW Brandon Saad: 1G, 2A, 3P, 1SOG
1. Chi; LWBryan Bickell: 2G, 2P, 3SOG
What’s Next: Blackhawks return to the United Center ice again tomorrow next against the Colorado Avalanche. Puck drop is 7:00P.M.
