The Blackhawks scored four straight goals in a 5-3 win against the Flames on Wednesday in Calgary. Chicago (18-17-6) has won three straight and five of its past six.
Kane caps 2010s with another record
Patrick Kane had two goals and two assists for 802 points (315 goals, 487 assists) in 742 NHL games since Jan. 1, 2010, for the most among all players in the decade. His empty-net goal with 0.5 seconds remaining in regulation broke a tie with Denis Savard for sole possession of fourth place for goals scored in franchise history at 378.
- Bobby Hull, 604
- Stan Mikita, 541
- Steve Larmer, 406
- Patrick Kane, 378
Kane is heating up with 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in the past nine games.
Strong Sikura
After being a healthy scratch for three straight games since Dec. 21, Dylan Sikura made the most of his opportunity drawing into the lineup for Alex Nylander. Sikura had two first-period assists (one primary, one secondary), four shots on goal and a 55.17 Corsi-For rating in 11:52.
Sikura played on the “third line” with Kane and Ryan Carpenter, and the trio was on ice for 14 shots for and 12 against at five-on-five in 10:58. Sikura is still searching for his first career NHL goal, but he had a few chances late in the second period. He has no goals and 13 assists in 42 NHL games.
OK, Dylan… we see you! pic.twitter.com/MDU6nuqmoY
— Second City Hockey (@2ndCityHockey) January 1, 2020
Lehner stays hot
Robin Lehner made 41 saves (39 at even strength), including 10 of the high-danger variety, in his sixth straight win. It’s the second time in three games and fifth time in December he made at least 40 saves.
Of Calgary’s three goals only the third one by Sean Monahan could likely be placed on the goaltender. Johnny Gaudreau sent pass to Matthew Tkachuk, who got around Connor Murphy to put a shot on net which Lehner saved but was unable to collect the rebound as the puck squirted out to Monahan to make it 4-3.
Monahan makes it 4-3. Gah. pic.twitter.com/hi8IVOqo9e
— Second City Hockey (@2ndCityHockey) January 1, 2020
Lehner’s best save was a diving stick save on Gaudreau’s shot at a partial open net at 15:21 of the first period kept the Blackhawks up 3-0.
Robin Lehner with a BIG save. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/91MlWMOHG7
— Brandon (@brandonmcain) January 1, 2020
It’s the first time this season Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton has given a goaltender three straight starts, and it’s hard to see why he’d give Corey Crawford the start Tuesday at Vancouver. On top of Lehner’s strong play of late, he also has posted back-to-back shutouts against the Canucks with at least 30 saves: 36 saves in the Islanders’ 4-0 win Feb. 23, 2019, and 4-0 Sabres’ win Jan. 25, 2018,