Jonathan Toews makes game-winner as Chicago Blackhawks edge Los Angeles Kings 2-1 -NHL Update
Chicago captain, Jonathan Toews, could not have scored at a better time for his team in order to avoid an uncertain overtime extension after Los Angeles tied the match a little over midway through the second as the Blackhawks edged the Kings, 2-1, on Saturday
night, November 26, 2011, at the sold-out STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, United States.
It was certainly a big way to end their six-game road trip, in which they remaining 50/50 with three wins and equally as many losses, including a very disappointing, 9-2, loss against the young Edmonton Oilers team, but the Blackhawks eventually managed
to bounce back.
The Blackhawks now stand at the number one spot in the Western Conference, ahead of the Minnesota Wild by two points with 31 and one point below the National Hockey League (NHL) leaders in the Eastern Conference, the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have 32 points.
"It's one of those little things that players -- especially skilled players -- underestimate," said Toews. "You want to start every play with the puck instead of chasing it, especially when you're playing against puck-possession teams like L.A. It makes
a big difference when you win that draw and get possession right away. But I definitely didn't have an easy time against Mike Richards out there tonight."
Both teams failed to do any scoring in the third period, but ultimately, the game was based on their performance in the first 40 minutes of game play.
Andrew Brunette gave Chicago a crucial lead with his fifth of the 2011-2012 NHL regular season in the opening three minutes of the first period, followed by an equaliser shot on a breakaway by Los Angeles’, Jarret Stoll, unassisted at the 12:02 mark of the
second period.
Toews made the tie-breaker and game-winner nearly 4:30 later for his 13th of the season.
Chicago does not have a lengthy road trip until the end of January 2012 now, but term this one as a learning process.
"We learned a lot," Toews said after the match.
The Blackhawks are certainly excited to be returning home as they will host the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday while LA hosts their state rival team, the San Jose Sharks on Monday.
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