In one of the Blackhawks best performances of the season, Corey Crawford stood tall with 32 saves for the 26th shutout of his career in a 3-0 Chicago win over the Stars on Tuesday night at the United Center.
With Dallas on the tail end of a back-to-back, Chicago struck first when a faceoff win in the offensive zone put the puck on Erik Gustafsson’s stick. He found Brandon Saad open in the slot and Saad’s quick shot found its way through Anton Khudobin’s five-hole, giving the Blackhawks an early 1-0 lead.
The Blackhawks one-goal advantage remained intact until the middle of the third period. During a power play, Chicago mustered a flurry of chances before Kane took in a cross-ice pass from Alex DeBrincat, waited for an opening and then flicked a wrister into the gaping net to double the Blackhawks lead.
The goal extended Kane’s point streak to 13 games, with nine goals and 13 assists during that span.
Crawford took over from there, stonewalling the hottest team in the NHL with saves like this one in the third period on a shot from Roope Hintz.
Connor Murphy added some extra insurance with a long-distance goal into an empty Dallas net with just under three minutes remaining.
After losing to Dallas on Saturday night, Chicago exacted revenge on its Central Division foes and posted its first shutout of the season.
Game Charts
Three Stars
- Corey Crawford (CHI) — 32 saves, 26th career shutout
- Patrick Kane (CHI) — PPG
- Anton Khudobin (DAL) — 35 saves
What’s next?
The Blackhawks face another Central Division foe in the Avalanche at 3 p.m. Friday at the United Center.