WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Here's a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre on Saturday afternoon.
How it happened: The Blackhawks scored three times on four shots in a five-minute span at the start of the second period. After weathering an early storm from the Jets, who struck first on a Tobias Enstrom goal at the 5:08 mark of the first period, the Blackhawks scored five straight to put this game beyond doubt. Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson opened the scoring for the Hawks in the first period, and Brandon Bollig, Patrick Sharp and Nick Leddy tallied goals in the second. Ben Smith added his second goal of the season in the third.
What it means: The victory is the third straight for the Blackhawks, who distanced themselves from the third-place St. Louis Blues while keeping pace with the division-leading Colorado Avalanche.
Player of the game: Take your pick. Marcus Kruger had two assists. Leddy added a goal and an assist, and Corey Crawford settled down after letting in the lone Jets goal in the first and made 26 saves for the Hawks. But Bollig played great in his fourth-line role, picking up a goal and an assist. He also contributed three shots and was plus-3 on the afternoon.
Stat of the game: The best way to cure a poor penalty kill is to not take any penalties in the first place. The Blackhawks took just one Saturday, which was negated by a Dustin Byfuglien hooking call just 21 seconds later.
What's next: The Blackhawks return home to play the Calgary Flames on Sunday night before facing the Jets for the second time in five days on Wednesday.
