Patrick Sharp scores in overtime as Chicago Blackhawks edge New York Islanders 3-2 -NHL Update
Patrick Sharp emerged as the game saver for Chicago as New York levelled the matchup in the third and final period to force an uncertain overtime by making the game-winner, allowing the Blackhawks to edge the Islanders, 3-2, on Thursday night, December 8,
2011, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, United States.
Sharp’s goal into overtime did certainly not go unnoticed by Chicago Blackhawks head coach, Joel Quenneville.
"Sharpie is playing well," Quenneville said. "His goal that put us up 2-0 was big."
Playing at home for the second straight contest after four-games on the road, the Islanders had a great victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, December 6, as they dominated, 5-1, but now according to New York head coach, Jack Capuano, his team
looked a little tired.
"I thought at times we looked fatigued," Capuano said. "But our team kept fighting back. Yes, we only got one point, but we need all the points we can get."
Marian Hossa scored the opening goal for his 12th of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season a little over midway through the first period after the Blackhawks managed to kill of a penalty in which Michael Frolik was benched
for tipping with a minor.
Patrick Sharp added his first of the night early into the second period for his 14th of the season while New York was finally put on the scoreboard with Travis Hamonic scoring his first with less than two minutes to go.
Michael Grabner levelled the match midway through the third and final period of regulation on an assist by Steve Staios, who went out nearly three minutes later for delaying the game, which eventually forced OT, resulting in their loss to a quick goal by
Sharp.
"Right now, our guys are resilient," Capuano added. "I like the bench, I like the attitude. We're playing with an attitude, we're playing with an edge and we're playing with a little bit of a swagger and that's what we need to do.
Chicago has the next contest at home against San Jose Sharks on Sunday while New York will host Pittsburgh Penguins a day earlier on Saturday.
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