Patrick Kane scored 56 seconds into overtime to lift the Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night at United Center.
Kane also assisted on both of Artem Anisimov’s goals for a three-point night against his hometown team. Duncan Keith added a pair of helpers has he became just the third defenseman in franchise history to reach the 400 assist milestone.
Corey Crawford stopped 17 of 20 shots for the win. Former Blackhawk Anders Nilsson was peppered with 43 shots by Chicago and allowed all four goals.
Marcus Foligno scored the first goal of 2017 at the United Center on Buffalo’s second shot of the game at 7:21 for a 1-0 lead. The Hawks answered when Ryan Hartman scored his seventh of the season with less than 5 minutes to play in the first frame.
Kyle Okposo put the Sabres ahead on the power play late in the second period, but Anisimov answered 18 seconds later to make it 2-2.
Jack Eichel scored 1 minute, 10 seconds into the third period on the man advantage. Buffalo controlled the third period before Anisimov scored his team-high 18th goal of the season with 2:04 left in regulation to push the game to overtime.
SCH 3 stars
1. Patrick Kane, Chicago (Game-winning goal, 2 assists)
2. Artem Anisimov, Chicago (2 goals)
3. Ryan O’Reilly, Buffalo (2 assists in return from appendectomy)
What’s next
The Blackhawks host Carolina for the second half of a home back-to-back Friday.