Blackhawks vs. Stars final score: Third period outburst propels 'Hawks to 6-2 victory against Dallas

After their dismal showing in Detroit, one had to figure the 'Hawks would break out against a Dallas team that has struggled all season, but especially recently. Well, that's exactly what happened tonight, as Chicago broke it open in the third period to beat the Stars 6-2, in Brad Richards' 1,000th game.

The Blackhawks got on the board quickly, just 78 seconds into this one. Kane took the puck up the ice and passed it over to Duncan Keith, who had an easy tap-in goal.

Dallas scored two quick goals, however, tying it up on a Curtis McKenzie redirect of an Erik Cole pass for his first career goal, and then taking the lead 39 seconds later, as Shawn Horcoff tapped in a rebound that Corey Crawford couldn’t control.

The ‘Hawks tied up the game on the power play later in the first. Seabrook took a shot from the blue line, but it looked like it deflected off of either Toews or Benn on its way to the net. Ben Smith had a nice screen in front.

The second period was quiet, with both teams getting some good chances but both goalies keep their teams in it.

The ‘Hawks broke out in the third period. Chicago took the lead on a Kane goal. Brad Richards got the point his teammates were trying so hard to get him in his 1,000^th game, as he passed the puck to Kane, who roofed it in past Lehtonen from a nasty angle.

Toews added to the ‘Hawks lead later. Hossa got the initial shot, Lehtonen gave up a rebound to Toews, who was able to get the wraparound past him. Versteeg got his third point of the night on a nice shot from a beautiful pass, again from Brad Richards. Brandon Saad made it 6-2 on an all-around nice play from the top line. Hossa worked the puck up the boards, Saad hustled to get the puck to Toews, who could have scored it himself, but instead passed it to an open Saad, who put it in past Lehtonen, and that was all she wrote in this one.

Other Thoughts

• Trevor van Riemsdyk got hurt in the first period and did not return for the rest of the game. He appeared to take a puck off his leg, and while he tried to go for a quick skate during a break, he quickly left for the room after that and did not return. Hopefully it's nothing too serious, as the kid has been really solid so far this season.
• It was nice to see Brad Richards have a really nice game in the 1,000th of his career. Richards has been finding his groove with the 'Hawks as the season has gone on, and has been playing really solid recently.
• It was only a matter of time before someone fought Antoine Roussel tonight. I would have put my money on Daniel Carcillo, but it was Andrew Shaw who dropped the gloves in a nice scrap with him.
• Hey, we actually went a full game with the same line combinations!