Getty Images The Chicago Blackhawks broke their insanity-inducing nine-game losing streak tonight by beating the New York Rangers 4-2. You could argue that the win was achieved in the first 10 minutes of the contest as Chicago burst out to a 4-0 lead in 9:38 of game time.
Sure, the Rangers might have been a little bushed after shutting out the Boston Bruins in a clash of East titans on Tuesday, but that’s still a nice way for the ‘Hawks to break a slump.
Chicago fired 10 shots on net in the first before nursing that lead through the rest of the game, as they were out-shot 19-12 in the final 40 minutes. New York certainly had its chances, too. John Tortorella might have to hold his tongue to avoid critiquing officials for blowing one goal dead and the Rangers power play went 0-for-7 on the night.
It’s obvious that the Blackhawks’ big guns lead the way. Marian Hossa looked like the guy who was arguably the team’s best forward early in the season, scoring a goal and an assist. Perhaps Patrick Kane can ward off some of the ridiculous trade rumors after collecting an assist in a crucial win. Jonathan Toews had a goal and an assist of his own.
As bad as things have been for Chicago, the team is currently ranked sixth overall in the West. Their hopes of taking the Central Division have probably just-about dried up, but the most important thing is that the Blackhawks are back on track.
Check out the highlights below:
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Scuderi on Kovalchuk and Parise: “Anytime we can keep those guys off the score sheet, we’ve got a chance to win”
May 31, 2012, 12:50 AM EDT
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While one player was apparent, another had a miserable game.
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Brown on Prudential Center ice: “It was like playing with a tennis ball, quite honestly”
May 31, 2012, 12:43 AM EDT
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Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
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It might be tough to keep his team from getting a little cocky.
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A sign of things to come?
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There’s a little bit more to this game-winning goal, though.
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Devils coach: “I don’t believe we deserved to win that game”
May 31, 2012, 12:15 AM EDT
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Some New Jersey players called it the team’s worst performance of 2012 playoffs.
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Kopitar on beating Brodeur for game-winner: “World class goaltender, but I think I got the best of it tonight”
May 31, 2012, 12:13 AM EDT
He became the first King to score a Stanley Cup finals OT goal in the process.
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The vast majority of Game 1 winners have gone on to hoist the Stanley Cup.
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What they’re saying about Game 1 of the 2012 Stanley Cup finals
May 30, 2012, 11:49 PM EDT
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Even Tommy Lasorda shared his thoughts.
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Video: Parise gloves in go-ahead goal, officials wave it off
May 30, 2012, 11:49 PM EDT
The Devils had a key third-period lead…and then they didn’t.
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Discuss: Kings’ road dominance continues, beat Devils 2-1 in OT
May 30, 2012, 11:24 PM EDT
Anze Kopitar wins it midway through the first extra session.
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Win or lose, we’ll probably see him playing with New Jersey in 2012-13.
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NHL commish supports Isles owner Charles Wang’s efforts.
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Blue Jackets on No. 2 pick: “We’re doing everything in our power to get it right”
May 30, 2012, 9:45 PM EDT
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They might just be drafting the new face of their franchise,after all.
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Check out the five minute interview with the NHL commissioner.
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PHT Live Chat — Stanley Cup finals Game 1: Los Angeles at New Jersey
May 30, 2012, 9:13 PM EDT
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Chat with PHT’s Mike Halford and Jason Brough throughout the game.
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A fun video feature from NBC’s experts.
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AP
“It’s the right way to play.”
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The goal is for Hossa to be back by training camp.
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Despite reports to the contrary, the deadline is not July 1 to refinance or settle their debt.
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