A four-point night from Jonathan Toews allowed the Chicago Blackhawks to pull off a 4-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks Sunday night at the United Center. After blowing a two-goal lead in the third, a goal from Toews with just over two minutes remaining in regulation gave the Hawks their third straight win.
It’s the first multi-point game by Toews in 2017, and his fifth multi-point game this season. It’s also the first time that the captain has recorded four or more points in a game since March 17, 2015 against the Islanders. His career-high is five points against the Ducks on Nov. 25, 2011.
The Hawks took off to a lead in the first when Richard Panik got the night started with his one-timer squeaking past Ryan Miller to put Chicago ahead 1-0. With an assist on the play, Brian Campbell received credit for his 500th career NHL point.
Patrick Kane put Chicago ahead by two after going backhand to front-hand from a tough angle to put the puck past Miller. Kane now has 15 goals and 48 points on the season.
With the Hawks holding the lead throughout the majority of regulation, things took a turn when two goals in 26 seconds for the Canucks tied the game at 2-2. Troy Stecher’s power play goal put Vancouver within one, while Bo Horvat found his own rebound to sneak it past Crawford and tie the game at 2-2.
Toews’ late third period goal and an empty-netter from Marian Hossa sealed the deal, also giving Corey Crawford his 200th career victory.
Turning Point
The captain stepping up in Sunday night’s game obviously deserves some recognition in helping Chicago avoid a third period collapse. Toews’ late goal and hustle to get the puck to Marian Hossa for the empty-netter lead the Hawks’ to their victory, and was definitely what he needed to help him get back on track.
SCH 3 Stars
1. Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks (1 goal, 3 assists)
2. Richard Panik, Blackhawks (1 goal, 1 assist)
3. Patrick Kane, Blackhawks (1 goal)
Play of the Game
Richard Panik with a wicked snapper while Hartman screens Miller. 1-0 #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/8HtQizAOEu
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) January 23, 2017
This beauty one-timer from Richard Panik allowed the Hawks to open the scoring 14:27 into the first period. Ryan Hartman deserves huge props for the screen on Miller in front of the net, allowing Panik’s shot to sneak past him.
What’s next?
The Blackhawks will host their second of a three game home stand as the Tampa Bay Lightning come to town on Tuesday night at 7:30 pm CT.