Chicago Blackhawks avenge ugly loss, top Stars 4-2

Four goals. On 8 shots.

Believe it or not, those were the Blackhawks' shooting stats during the first two periods of their 4-2 victory Thursday night at Dallas.

Dominik Kubalik, Carl Soderberg, Duncan Keith and Alex DeBrincat staked the Hawks to a 4-0 lead after 40 minutes as Dallas failed to convert on its first 22 shots. Kevin Lankinen made 28 saves for the Hawks, who improved to 14-9-5 and avenged an ugly 6-1 loss to the Stars two nights earlier.

The Hawks went 2-for-5 on the power play and killed off all five Stars power plays, one of which included a two-man advantage for 35 seconds late in the second period.

"It was a big win," Keith said. "Obviously we need the points against Dallas. We're going to be competing with them the rest of the year for playoffs. ...

"It probably wasn't our best game, but we got the 2 points. Our power play was good. Our penalty kill did a really good job, especially on that 5-on-3. We found a way to win."

It was a strange night for the Hawks, who managed just 2 even-strength shots in the first two periods - both of which went in. The first came from Kubalik, who opened the scoring at 5:26 of the first period by beating goalie Anton Khudobin with a slick forehand/backhand move on a breakaway.

Soderberg made it 2-0 by tipping in an Adam Boqvist blast early in the second period. The veteran has really come on after a slow start, notching 5 goals and 6 assists in the last 13 games.

"He goes to the net," coach Jeremy Colliton said. "Not everyone wants to be there. ... So he's created some goals that he hasn't scored any points on because he's there.

"An opportunity that you're not even sure it's a chance - it's a half chance - becomes a great opportunity. ... He's been a nice addition for sure."

Keith made it 3-0 at 14:37 of the second on a low rocket from the point. It was his first goal of the season and the 102nd of his career, putting him 1 behind Brent Seabrook for third all time among Hawks defensemen.

DeBrincat scored for the 15th time, moving him into a tie for third behind Auston Matthews (21) and Connor McDavid (16).

The Hawks continue their six-game road trip with games at Florida (17-5-4) on Saturday and Monday.