Blackhawks lose third in a row, 3-1 to Sharks

Tomas Hertl scored with 2:03 remaining in the third period to snap a 1-1 tie, and host San Jose defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 in the first game for both teams after the all-star break. Hertl banged home the game-winner when the puck bounced to him after a Brent Burns blast bounced off the end boards to the front of the net. Joe Pavelski added an empty-net goal with 45.5 seconds remaining.

The Hawks have lost three straight and are 6 points behind first-place Minnesota in the Central Division.

Patrick Marleau opened the scoring with 5:54 to go in the second period when he lifted a shot over Crawford's left shoulder with San Jose on the power play. A minute later Crawford (26 saves) blockered away a shot by Timo Meier, who raced in on a breakaway.

Dennis Rasmussen tied the game at 1-1 with 3:07 left in the second on a shot that hit just inside the left post and clanked into the net.

Crawford was especially strong in net during a scoreless first period in which he made 10 saves. He then ate up a Marleau blast just 11 seconds into the second, and four minutes later managed to keep a Logan Couture shot from going in despite losing his balance.

Marcus Kruger missed the game due to an illness.

The Blackhawks' six-game road trip continues at Arizona on Thursday and at Dallas on Saturday.