Chicago Blackhawks dominate Washington Capitals 5-2 for third straight -NHL Update
After getting back into the playoff race, Washington has failed to move up ever since as they lost their second straight with Chicago Blackhawks dominating Capitals for a third consecutive victory, 5-2, Sunday night, March 18, 2012, at the sold-out United
Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Andrew Shaw, Chicago’s 20-year-old rookie, had a big game as he had his first career two-goal game in his inaugural major league season, giving the Blackhawks a major boost of confidence in knowing their youngster in capable of performing when needed.
Shaw’s first of the night was followed up with Viktor Stalberg’s 18th of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, putting the home team at 2-0 midway through the initial period.
Mike Knuble brought Washington within one of the score at 2:22 into the second but Patrick Kane and Andrew Shaw scored two more straight to take the match out of the Capitals hands.
Alex Ovechkin added the last of the night at 14:28 in round-two, reaching the 30 goal mark in the season yet again.
The starting line-up has been working miracles for the Chicago club, ultimately giving them three wins in a row now.
"Especially the last couple games, [success] is attributed to our starts," said Hawks forward, Patrick Kane. "Getting up 2-0 in games really helps. Especially from where we were the past couple games before that, we had to play from behind a lot and it takes
a lot of strength and effort to come back in those games. It's nice to get a lead and hold onto it too."
Chicago is now at number six with 88 points, four below fifth place Detroit Red Wings and well above Phoenix Coyotes with a five point lead.
"Right now you can look in the rear view mirror or you can look ahead," Hawks coach, Joel Quenneville, said.
Blackhawks are hoping to continue moving up in the Western Conference as they go on to visit Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday while Washington plays Detroit Red Wings on Monday, a match which certainly could keep them right where they are looking at Detroit’s
optimism about making a comeback.
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