Blackhawks pull out an amazing 3-2 win
Wow. Simply wow.
That's about all you can say after the Blackhawks - trailing 2-0 with less than two minutes to go at Anaheim on Friday - scored 2 goals in 74 seconds, then got the game-winner from Artem Anisimov at 1:53 in overtime to pull out a shocking 3-2 victory.
"Kind of reminded us of the comeback in Game 5 (of the Western Conference finals) last year, with a better ending," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville told reporters after the Hawks improved to 13-8-2.
That, of course, is when Jonathan Toews scored goals with 1:50 and 37.2 seconds left, sending that contest to overtime. The Ducks' Matt Beleskey gave Anaheim a 5-4 victory 45 seconds into OT.
This time, the Hawks stole 2 improbable points, getting a power-play goal with 1:41 left in regulation from Marian Hossa and the tying tally with 26.6 ticks on the clock when Duncan Keith's slapshot beat goalie John Gibson to his blocker side.
"It certainly helps the group," Quenneville said of winning in such heart-pounding fashion. "Everybody's excited. Lot of fun on the bench when it happens and in the locker room after the game."
Said Keith: "I thought they outworked us most of the game. We just found a way at the end and snuck out with the two points."
The other good news for the Hawks is that Patrick Kane ran his points streak to 18 games when he registered an assist on Keith's goal. That means Kane is now tied with Eddie Olczyk and Phil Kessel for the longest points streak by an American-born player.
"That's some pretty elite company," Kane said. "It's been a fun little ride here. It seems like I'm kind of making it a little difficult on myself the last few games (no goals, 5 assists last four).
"But like I've said, it's something you try not to really think about. Play the game and if you're playing the right way, then usually good things will happen."
Kane is also just four games away from breaking Bobby Hull's team record of 21 straight games, set during the 1971-72 season.
"He's been great," Quenneville said. "He's been fun to watch."
Seabrook assisted on all 3 Blackhawks goals, and Corey Crawford made 23 saves.
Anisimov didn't play the final six minutes of the second period but returned for the third and potted the game-winner off a perfect pass from Seabrook. It was Anisimov's 10th goal of the season. Only Kane (13) has more goals for the Hawks.
Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf was called for tripping Andrew Shaw in front of the net with 2:29 remaining. After the penalty was called with 2:07 left, it took Hossa just 26 seconds to capitalize.
Getzlaf thought the referee should have swallowed his whistle when Shaw hit the ice.
"I touched him on the back of the leg, and obviously he went down," Getzlaf said. "I don't know how easy it was or whatever it was, but there's 2 minutes left and we're trying to battle them. I don't think that's a necessary call. It had nothing to do with the play."
Getzlaf committed another gaffe in OT when he fired an errant pass from behind his own net, allowing the Hawks to regain control. Ten seconds later the game was over.
In what would have been one of the more entertaining moments of the season, Toews and Ryan Kesler tried to fight each other late in the first period. They had their gloves off, ready to go, but officials intervened and they were sent off for roughing.
"Johnny's a competitive guy and wants to stick up for himself," Kane said.
The Hawks are now 3-1-1 on the circus trip, which wraps up Saturday in Los Angeles.
Scouting report
Scouting report
<b>Blackhawks (13-8-2) vs. Los Angeles Kings (13-8-1) at Staples Center, 9:30 p.m. </b>TV: Comcast SportsNet. Radio: WGN 720-AM
The skinny: The Hawks are 15-4-2 against the Kings over the past six seasons, including a 2-1 mark in 2014-15. ... Los Angeles is 1-2-1 in its last four games with each loss coming by 1 goal. Coach Daryl Sutter's team just finished a five-game road trip. ... Jeff Carter (9G, 12A) and Tyler Toffoli (11G, 9A) are the leading scorers. ... Artem Anisimov, who scored the game-winner Friday in Anaheim, is on pace for a 36-goal campaign. ... Brent Seabrook (3 assists Friday) is on pace for 68 points, which would shatter his career high of 48 in 2009-10. ... Scott Darling figures to get the start in net for the Hawks.
Next: Minnesota at United Center, 7 p.m. Tuesday
- John Dietz