Seabrook continues to produce for Chicago Blackhawks

Lost in the wake of the Marian Hossa injury and the fact that the Chicago Blackhawks lost for a third straight time at the United Center on Saturday was the fact that it was a historic night for Brent Seabrook.

The Hawks' veteran defenseman scored the team's only 2 goals in a 3-2 OT loss to Anaheim, giving him a career-best 10 on the season. And there are 23 games left on the schedule for that number to grow.

Seabrook has been remarkably consistent over his career, finishing with 9 goals three times and 8 three times (once in 2013 during a 48-game campaign). He ranks fifth in franchise history among defensemen with 81 goals, which is 2 behind Duncan Keith.

Seabrook signed an eight-year extension in September that carries a $6.875 million cap hit. A month later, when news broke that Keith underwent a procedure on his knee, Seabrook showed why Hawks general manager Stan Bowman signed him to that deal by recording points in eight of the 10 games Keith missed (3G, 8A).

If there was any doubt how valuable - and versatile - Seabrook is, he proved it over that three-week stretch.

With the wicked-fast, heavy shot he possesses, it's in some ways a bit surprising that the 6-foot-3, 220-pound British Columbia native never scored 10 goals in a season before this one.

"He's so steady," Jonathan Toews said. "I think he's finally putting up the numbers we all know he's always been capable of. His shot is amazing. If he gets a chance it's rare that he's going to miss."

He certainly proved that Saturday with the third 2-goal game of his career.

Seabrook gave the Hawks a 1-0 lead when he followed his initial shot on John Gibson and blasted a second shot that found its mark.

Anaheim roared back and took a 2-1 lead, but Seabrook tied things up with a one-timer, this time beating Federik Andersen, who took over for the injured Gibson.

"You get some fortunate breaks when you load it up," Quenneville said. "But he's not afraid to shoot it and puts himself in a position where he can get them away quickly because everybody takes away his shooting lanes."

Then 1:03 into overtime, Seabrook went for the hat trick, but Andersen closed the pads in time.

Of course, no one would have been surprised had the puck gone in as Seabrook is tied for third in franchise history with 6 OT goals. He trails only Toews and Patrick Sharp, who both have 8.

"I think tonight he wanted that third one in overtime," Toews said. "He's been the overtime specialist for our team for a number of years. Unfortunately it didn't fall for him, but he was big for us."

Just as he has been for the Hawks for 11 years … and counting.