CHICAGO – Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 6-2 victory over the Dallas Stars at the United Center on Sunday:
How it happened: The Blackhawks broke a 2-2 game wide open in the third period. Patrick Kane snapped the tie with a goal at 4 minutes, 49 seconds of the period. Jonathan Toews added to the lead with a goal at 12:34. Kris Versteeg scored again for Chicago at 14:19 before Brandon Saad netted the final tally at 15:29. Both teams scored two goals in the first period, with Dallas' coming just 39 seconds apart. Curtis McKenzie accounted for the first at 4:49 and Shawn Horcoff scored the second at 5:28. The Blackhawks’ two first-period goals came from Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Kane set up both on his way to a three-point evening. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 22 saves on 24 shots. Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen stopped 41 of 47 shots.
What it means: The Blackhawks won’t be returning to the United Center until early December, and Sunday's result was exactly what they were looking for before hitting the road. The Blackhawks improved to 10-7-1 overall and 7-3-1 at home on the season. The Stars have dropped nine of their past 11 games and fell to 6-8-4. Blackhawks forward Brad Richards played in his 1,000th career game and had two assists. Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk suffered a lower-body injury in the first period and did not return.
Player of the game: Kane’s play has picked up recently. He has three goals and three assists in the past six games.
Stat of the game: The Blackhawks scored four goals on 23 shots on net in the third period.
What’s next: The Blackhawks begin their annual circus trip Thursday at Calgary and will be on the road for six consecutive games before hosting St. Louis on Dec. 3.
