Morning Box Score: 'Hawks Best Bruins

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 19, 2009 4:30PM

It was another overtime thriller for the Blackhawks last night and once again they came out the victors, edging the Bruins 5-4 in a shootout. Boston scored the lone goal of the first period to hold down a 1-0 lead at the first intermission. The 'Hawks, though, came storming back in the second, as Kris Versteeg and Patrick Sharp both scored in the first half of the second period to give Chicago a 2-1 edge. After Boston tied it up at 2-2, Jonathan Toews scored in the final minute to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead. Boston tied the game at 3-3 early in the third but less than two minutes later, a hard shot from Brian Campbell was tipped in by Andrew Ladd to give the 'Hawks a 4-3 lead. The see-saw battle continued as the Bruins found the back of the net again with a little over two minutes remaining to notch the game at 4-4 and force overtime.

After a scoreless overtime, the teams headed to the shootout. Antti Niemi had a nice save on Boston's first attempt and Jonathan Toews took advantage, scoring on the 'Hawks first attempt. In the second round, the Bruins' shot went just wide of Niemi, deflecting off the post. Patrick Kane then put the game away by slipping a shot between the legs of Bruins goalie Tim Thomas to clinch the victory. Niemi had 25 saves on the night plus the clutch shootout save. In attendance last night was Steve Yzerman, general manager for Team Canada, checking out potential players for the Canadian Olympic team and Toews' effort surely helped his cause. Afterward, Toews, who didn't know Yzerman was at the game, said, "Every time I've had a chance to play for Team Canada ... it's been an incredible rush knowing millions of people across your country are watching. It's been an honor so far to just be mentioned. But really, our priority is with our team right now. This season's been going well."

Next up for the 'Hawks - riding a three-game winning streak - are the rival Red Wings, who skate into town Sunday night (6 p.m., WGN).