‘Fun’ times for Blackhawks

The two highlights those who were on hand Sunday night probably will remember most about the Blackhawks’ 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals were:

ŸThe absolute Usain Bolt-ish speed Viktor Stalberg flashed while sprinting in for his 18th goal of the season in the first period.

And …

ŸThe mystical, magical stick work of Alex Ovechkin on his highlight-reel goal late in the second — one you’ve probably already seen 38 times by now.

But for sustained excellence in a game, the award has to go to the line of Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Andrew Brunette.

Organist Frank Pellico might as well have been playing “Sweet Georgia Brown” each time Kane’s line hit the ice because that trio made the Washington Capitals look like the Washington Generals with the way they were moving the puck around.

“When we’re going like that, it’s fun hockey to play, that’s for sure,” said Kane, who scored the game-winning goal for the fifth time this season.

“We just have to keep playing with speed and keep giving-and-going and things like that. They’re two special players to play with.”

Kane has been pretty special of late, too. His 19th goal of the season extended his point streak to five games.

“Kane playing center right now with Hossa — that line’s clicking real well,” said Duncan Keith, who assisted on the first of Andrew Shaw’s 2 goals on the night.

“They’ve got guys like Kane and Hossa … you turn it over with them, there’s a good chance the goalie is going to have to stand on his head to save it,” Washington coach Dale Hunter said. “Patrick Kane is a special player. He can really stickhandle, and he creates stuff for the rest of his teammates.”

Hossa’s assist marked his 12th point in the last 10 games and extended his point streak to five games. Oh, he also leads the Western Conference with 71 points.

Meanwhile, the Hawks are only 23-2 this season when Brunette gets a point, like he did on a pretty pass to set up Kane’s goal.

“They’re two fun players to play with,” Kane said. “You see how smart Brunette is. The pass he gave me, most guys would have shot that right away — he makes a move and then finds me back door.

“And then Hossa, everyone knows he can be the best player in the world, so it’s fun.

“We just need more production. We had a lot of chances to kind of put the game away, but none of us really buried our chances.”

The win was the Hawks’ seventh in last nine games. No time for soaking it in, though.

“I don’t think we’re taking anything for granted right now,” Keith said. “It’s a tight race and every team we play is good. Every game’s a battle.”

mspellman@dailyherald.com