Blackhawks 1, Lightning 0 (OT)
CHICAGO -- Jonathan Toews scored 17 seconds into overtime to lift the Chicago Blackhawks to a 1-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night.
Goaltender Corey Crawford stopped all 21 shots he faced in his first shutout of the season for Chicago (5-3-0). The game was the first meeting between the teams since the Stanley Cup final, which the Blackhawks won in six games.
Lightning goaltender Kristers Gudlevskis stopped 31 shots before allowing the winner to Toews. Tampa Bay (5-2-2) collected at least one point for the fourth consecutive game.
Toews took advantage of open ice during a three-on-three overtime format to snap a scoreless tie. He split Lightning center Valtteri Filppula and defenseman Anton Stralman on his way to the net. Gudlevskis stopped Toews' first effort, but Chicago's captain punched in the rebound for his first goal of the season.
The Blackhawks posted their fourth consecutive win on home ice. They improved to 2-0 in overtime this season.
The Lightning reached overtime for the third consecutive game and the second time in as many nights. Tampa Bay dropped to 2-2 overall in overtime this season.
Gudlevskis showed no signs of nerves in his first start of the season. His best save came against Blackhawks right winger Patrick Kane on a breakaway with about 1:15 remaining in the second period. Kane tried to lift a wrist shot, but Gudlevskis held his position and knocked the puck aside.
Across the ice, Crawford also shined in net. He stoned Tampa Bay center Steven Stamkos on a one-timer from the slot to preserve a scoreless tie late in the first period. Lightning center Tyler Johnson hit the right post early in the third period, and Crawford quickly covered the puck to deny Johnson a second chance.
Tampa Bay finished 0-for-4 on the power play. Chicago went 0-for-3 with the man advantage.
NOTES: Lightning G Kristers Gudlevskis received his first start of the season and the second of his career. Gudlevskis, 23, was recalled Saturday from Syracuse of the American Hockey League. ... Blackhawks LW Bryan Bickell was a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game. ... Lightning G Ben Bishop watched from the bench after starting the first eight games of the season. Bishop is 5-2-1 with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. ... Blackhawks D Duncan Keith missed his second game as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. ... Lightning C Brian Boyle missed his second straight game because of an undisclosed injury.