Friday, January 15, 2016

Crawford Shines, Blackhawks Win Devine Nine In A Row, 2-1 Over Habs

Two Original Six teams met as the Chicago Blackhawks visited the Montreal Canadiens tonight.  A Montreal native stood between the pipes for the Blackhawks and put on a goalie clinic as the Hawks escaped with a 2-1 victory thanks to Corey Crawford

The top line continues to shine for the Blackhawks as Andrew Shaw, through a determined effort, passed the puck through the crease to Jonathan Toews, who roofed it to put the Hawks up 1-0, 8:26 into the period.  Just over two minutes later, the Canadiens would tie the game on a weird, pinball bounce off a skate from Paul Byron and through Corey Crawford.  It would not last long as Ryan Garbutt scored his 2nd goal of the year, and Richard Panik earned his first point, an assist, as a Blackhawk as the Hawks took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.

In the 2nd, the Canadiens came at the Blackhawks like locusts and Crawford was there to swat them away.  There was a barrage of three quick, difficult saves that would have tied the game at two, but Crawford said no.  Rob Scuderi had a horrible 2nd period as every time he was on the ice, the Canadiens were attacking constantly.  Thank goodness for Crawford.  Scoring chance after scoring chance, but Crawford managed to escape the period without letting up a goal. The shots after two periods were tied at 23, but the scoring chances were close to 3-1 in favor of the Habs.

The 3rd period saw both goalies making some very strong saves.  During a Montreal power play, Marian Hossa took a stick to the face as he was killing a penalty.  He would go off for repairs.  Again, both teams would spend the 2nd half of the period trading scoring chances.  In the end, it was Corey Crawford having one of his best games of his career, as he stopped 39 shots for the victory.

Notable mentions: Blackhawks are now 21-0-1 after leading after two periods this year.  Patrick Kane was held off the score sheet for just the 7th time in 46 games this year.  Ryan Garbutt's goal was his 5th game-winning goal in his career.


Three Stars Of The Game
1st - CHI - Corey Crwaford - 40 saves  .975 SV%
2nd - MON - Alexei Emelin - 4 hits
3rd - MON - Paul Byron - 1G


Next game: Friday, January 15th, Away vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 6PM CT

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!

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