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Hossa stays hot, Hawks win 3-1

Marian Hossa and Ryan Hartman each had golden opportunities to make an impact in the Blackhawks' 3-1 win Friday night at United Center and neither missed.

Hartman, who grew up in West Dundee as a Blackhawks fan, delivered the hit of the game on towering Dainius Zubrus a few seconds into his first NHL shift. Hossa scored his seventh goal in the past four games to tie it 1-1 at 1:27 of the third period and assisted on the game-winning goal by captain Jonathan Toews less than three minutes later.

His latest heroics helped the Hawks snap a two-game skid to start their current eight-game homestand.

"We talked before the game about how we need to get back on a winning track," Hossa said. "I know we were losing after the first two periods, but we stayed patient with it and it was good that we found a way to win."

Hossa, 36, came into the game with three straight 2-goal efforts. He could have had a hat trick, or more, were it not for some great saves by goalie Cory Schneider. Hossa was stopped on an unchecked rush down the right wing 1:08 into the game and nearly scored off the rush that led to Toews' goal.

"He's been working for this all year," Toews said. "I think as a line, especially, we're creating a lot. I think (he's) been putting some pressure on himself, which is unfair. Everyone knows how good he plays all over the rink, and I just don't think people realize the offense he's creating, especially when it doesn't go in. So, it's nice to see him filling it the way he has this week."

Kris Versteeg scored into an empty net at 19:16 to seal the win, defenseman Brent Seabrook finished with 2 assists and goalie Corey Crawford made 25 saves for the win - including a pair of great stops late in the third to preserve the lead.

Hartman didn't score, but left an impression with his hit on the 36-year old Zubrus, who's 6-foot-5, 225 pounds. The Devils' forward never saw Hartman coming as he reached for the puck in the New Jersey zone. The Blackhawks' 5-foot-11, 191-pound rookie leveled him, sending his helmet flying and keeping the puck in the Devils' zone.

Every bit of nervous tension in Hartman's body left instantly. There was quite a bit to get rid of, considering how many friends and family were in the stands watching.

"I jumped on the ice for a second there, saw him coming through the (circle) and it was just like a dream," said Hartman, who also displayed some offensive skill during his 9:05 of ice time. "It was a good way to start. Kind of got the nerves out."

He added a second hit during that first shift and turned up the volume in the building with each one. Just as quickly, the Devils took the air out on a goal by defenseman Peter Harrold with 4:30 left in the first.

The Devils made the 1-0 lead stand up through the second, but Hossa and the Blackhawks' top line were too much in the final 20 minutes.

"Our leaders, they know what to say in-between periods," Crawford said. "They lead the way and we know what to do in this (locker room). We know how we're playing at certain times and we know what it takes to change a game or to get 2 points. Today was that."

"It opened up for us in the third period and we capitalized on some nice plays."

Marian Hossa celebrates his goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, in Chicago. The Blackhawks won 3-1. Assoicated Press
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