CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 2-1 shootout victory over the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center on Friday:
How it happened: The Blackhawks’ Antoine Vermette scored the lone shootout goal for the win. Chicago trailed for much of the game, but pushed hard in the third period for the equalizer. Brent Seabrook tied matters at 1-1 when he scored off a one-timer at 13 minutes, 58 seconds of the frame -- his first goal since Dec. 27. The Oilers took a 1-0 lead at 15:15 of the first period when Derek Roy spun in the slot with the puck, getting Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford out of position and allowing an easy score. The Blackhawks failed on two power-play attempts. They haven’t scored in nine such opportunities over the past four games. Both goalies were difficult to beat Friday -- Oilers netminder Ben Scrivens had 38 saves and Crawford had 46.
What it means: The Blackhawks were chasing the Oilers for nearly the entire game, but found a way to pick up two important points and improve to 39-21-5 to move within two points of the St. Louis Blues for second place in the Central Division. A loss would have brought the Minnesota Wild within two points of the Blackhawks after the Wild won their fifth consecutive game Friday. The Blackhawks, now 9-3 in shootouts this season, took two of three from the Oilers.
Player of the game: Crawford kept the Blackhawks in the game and stopped all three shootout shots.
Stat of the game: The Oilers had 47 shots on goal -- their most since Nov. 7.
What’s next: The Blackhawks host the New York Rangers on Sunday -- the teams' first meeting of the season.
