Blackhawks 5, Canucks 1
Patrick Kane, Steve Montador and Jonathan Toews each had a goal and an assist and Corey Crawford made 28 saves as the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the host Vancouver Canucks 5-1 Wednesday night.
Kane's second straight multi-point effort helped the Blackhawks avenge an equally one-sided home loss to Vancouver earlier in the season. It also moved Chicago two points clear of idle Pittsburgh for top spot in the NHL standings.
After a scoreless opening 20 minutes, the teams exchanged goals early in the second period. Jannik Hansen converted a perfect Henrik Sedin pass just 38 seconds into the frame before Andrew Brunette countered on a Chicago power play just past the five-minute mark.
Kane gave the Blackhawks their first lead midway through the period, wiring a slapshot that beat Vancouver netminder Cory Schneider.
Toews put the game out of reach with 7:12 left in the third period, converting a Viktor Stalberg pass after Schneider stopped Marian Hossa earlier in the shift. Patrick Sharp extended the advantage 1:41 later, ending a five-game goalless drought with his sixth of the season.
Montador rounded out the scoring with a blast from the faceoff circle that beat Schneider with 3:41 remaining.