The Chicago Blackhawks split their season series with the New York Rangers Tuesday night after earning a 2-1 victory at Madison Square Garden.
The game winning goal came late in the second period, as Artem Anisimov capitalized on a beautiful pass right in front from Brian Campbell.
Chicago got on the board first Tuesday night, with a Trevor van Riemsdyk goal from the slot just over five minutes into the second. TVR recorded his first goal of the year, and his first tally since February.
Just three minutes after the Hawks took the lead, Rangers’ forward Jesper Fast batted the puck out of mid air to put it past Darling, tying the game at 1-1.
Despite the Rangers 34 shots on net, they were unable to put the puck past Scott Darling for a second goal. Darling remained a force in the crease, earning a .971 save percentage on the night.
Jonathan Toews returned to the Hawks’ lineup for the first time since Nov. 23 after suffering a back injury against the San Jose Sharks. In the captain’s return, he recorded one shot on goal, and just over 18 minutes of ice time.
Turning Point
With the game tied at 1-1, a beautiful setup from Brian Campbell allows Artem Anisimov to one-time the puck past Raanta’s right side, to give the Hawks’ the one goal lead. Anisimov’s tally was his 13th goal of the season.
SCH 3 Stars
1. Scott Darling (33 saves in 34 shots)
2. Artem Anisimov (1 goal, 1 assist, 3 shots on goal)
3. Jesper Fast (1 goal, 2 shots on goal)
Play of the game
Diving Darling pic.twitter.com/eNZZiB272k
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 14, 2016
Scott Darling was once again incredible in the paint for the Hawks. His 33 saves on the night included this beauty, which kept Chicago alive, eventually leading to Anisimov’s game-winning goal.
Lines
Hartman-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-Anisimov-Kruger
Rasmussen-Kruger-Panik
Desjardins-Hinostroza-Motte
Keith-Hjalmarsson
Campbell-Seabrook
Forsling-van Riemsdyk
What’s next?
The Blackhawks continue their road trip in the Big Apple as they visit the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center Thursday night.