Chicago Blackhawks rebound with 5-2 win over Columbus Blue Jackets -NHL Match Update
Coming out of an embarrassing, 3-0, shutout against Carolina, the Chicago Blackhawks rebounded on Saturday night by winning over the Hurricanes, 5-2, on October 29, 2011, at the sold-out United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Columbus was looking for another win against the Chicago Blackhawks after the Blue Jackets won their first contest, 4-1, against the Detroit Red Wings earlier on Tuesday. Since then, Columbus lost, 4-2, to the Buffalo Sabres and now most recently against
the Chicago Blackhawks.
Chicago is eyeing another Stanley Cup in two years and continuing to win matchups like this is the only way to make the postseason on a high note next year.
"We've got a little more swagger this year (in third periods)", Stalberg said. "We're feeling like we're going to get out there and get that goal (to win) instead of sitting back like maybe we did last year. It seems like we're finding ways to battle back
and get those go-ahead goals".
Marcus Kruger scored his first of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season 2:51 into the opening period off an assist by Jamal Mayer and Brent Seabrook.
"It was a great feeling to get the first one", said Kruger. "Hopefully I don't have to wait that long for my next one. In training camp, I think I put a little too much pressure on myself. I just need to go out there and play my game. That's how you play
good hockey".
Columbus’ Vaclav Prospal levelled the match nearly three minutes later with his fifth of the season, but Chicago took control in the final minutes of the first period as Dace Bolland fired off at the 18:21 mark while the Blackhawks were shorthanded with
captain, Jonathan Toews, on the bench for hooking with a minor.
Derek MacKenzie again levelled the match for Columbus off an assist by captain, Rick Nash, forcing an intense third period with both teams looking to take the lead.
It was all Chicago in the final period as Viktor Stalberg scored two goals, back-to-back, two minutes apart to not only take the lead by secure the match as well. Michael Frolik added another goal with three seconds remaining on a breakaway, unassisted.
Chicago Blackhawks play one more game at home against the Nashville Predators before they takeoff on another two-game road trip.
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