CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks’ 4-1 win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday at the United Center:
How it happened: Jonathan Toews scored twice in the first period, and that was enough support for Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford. Toews surprised Islanders goalie Michal Neuvirth when he backhanded a puck in the right corner and it slid into the net. Toews later scored off a backhanded shot that went off Neuvirth’s shoulder. Crawford has been nearly unbeatable as of late, and that continued Tuesday. He made 38 saves. He has allowed eight total goals in his past seven starts. Marian Hossa put the Blackhawks ahead 3-0 when he scored off a one-timer from the right circle in the second period. Hossa added another goal in the third period. Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw received a game misconduct in the first period after head-butting the Islanders’ Brock Nelson. The Blackhawks killed off Shaw’s five-minute penalty. Nikolay Kulemin scored the Islanders’ lone goal in the third period.
What it means: The Blackhawks are on a three-game win streak for the first time since December. They had their previous seven win streaks halted after two games. The Blackhawks improved to 42-21-6, with 90 points. They’re four points behind the Nashville Predators, who were defeated by the Minnesota Wild in overtime Tuesday, and three points behind the St. Louis Blues in the Central Division standings. The Islanders lost their fourth consecutive game. They have scored a total of four goals during their losing streak.
Player of the game: Toews had the hot hand, with two goals and two assists. He also won 12 of 15 faceoffs.
Stat of the game: The top line of Patrick Sharp, Toews and Hossa accounted for all four of the Blackhawks’ goals.
What’s next: The Blackhawks travel to face the New York Rangers on Wednesday. The Blackhawks lost to the Rangers 1-0 in overtime March 8 in Chicago.
