Morning Box Score: Blackhawks Points Streak At 21
By Chuck Sudo in News on Mar 2, 2013 3:00PM
The Blackhawks record-setting points streak to start a regular season lives for at least another game but, for much of Friday night's contest at the United Center, it looked as though Columbus would pull the upset. Columbus' Vinny Prospal put the Blue Jackets ahead 31 seconds into the game by putting a wrist shot past Ray emery and a host of Hawks around the net. Viktor Stalberg tied things up with four minutes left in the period.
Columbus regained the lead in the second period with a goal by Artem Anisimov, only to see Chicago take its first lead of the game with goals by Patrick Sharp and Bryan Bickell. Columbus' Ryan Johansen forced overtime in the third period with a nice backhand that eluded Emery. In the overtime, however, Viktor Stalberg got the puck to Jonathan Toews, who passed to his left and found Brent Seabrook for the game-winning goal.
It wasn't a pretty game and the Blackhawks had a few serendipitous moments go their way, but a win is a win. Emery, who was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week, stopped 19 0f 22 shots but Columbus had numerous opportunities to deposit the puck past an out-of-position Emery.
The Blackhawks are now an astounding 18-0-3 as the NHL reaches the halfway point of this shortened season. They haven't lost a regular season game in refulation dating back to March 25, 2012.