Toews, Kane still best bets in shootouts

While coach Joel Quenneville said he would be looking at all aspects of how the Blackhawks could improve their approach in shootouts following an 0-2 start, he was wise not to ignore what the numbers say.

For their careers, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane still are two of the more successful shootout performers in the NHL, and the two Hawks responded with goals Tuesday night in a 3-2 shootout win over Anaheim at the United Center.

Toews ranked 16th among active players in shootouts going into the game and is now 20-for-40 for his career. Kane was 21st and is now 18-for-46.

Both Toews and Kane were 0-for-2 this season in team shootout losses to Boston and Colorado.

“It's just a matter of time before we get better at that,” Kane predicted before the game. “There's too much talent in this room.”

Marian Hossa ranks 32nd among active players at 14-for-40, but Quenneville has yet to use him this season.

Patrick Sharp is just 7-for-32 in career shootout attempts, including a miss against Boston.

It's interesting to note that Andrew Brunette is 0-for-5 lifetime in shootouts despite his success offensively. Dave Bolland got a chance on Tuesday and missed and now is 0-for-5 for his career.

Viktor Stalberg is 2-for-3, missing for the first time last Saturday against Colorado. Michael Frolik is 2-for-13, Rostislav Olesz 3-for-18 and Daniel Carcillo 1-for-5.

Among defensemen, Brent Seabrook is 1-for-1 and Steve Montador 1-for-5.

“It's frustrating after you lose in a shootout,” Kane said. “You feel like it's almost a real loss, but when you win everyone is upbeat and excited. When you lose you feel like there's a lot of work to be done.”

Promising sign:The Hawks now have points in seven straight games since their opening night loss in Dallas.Last season it took the Hawks until February to get points in at least seven consecutive games.#8220;Our team game has been more consistent than we saw last year, but we've still some room for improvement,#8221; Joel Quenneville said.Tip-ins:Duncan Keith and his wife, Kelly-Rae, will launch their new charity #8220;Keith Relief#8221; today. The charity will be dedicated to assisting families in and around the Chicago area suffering from medical crisis ... Joel Quenneville has no plans to reunite former defense partners Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith on a full-time basis. #8220;We'll, see,#8221; Quenneville said. #8220;If it's late in a period they could be out there together.#8221; ... Jonathan Toews won 14 of 20 faceoffs in Tuesday's win.