Toews’ late goal leads Blackhawks past Canucks
CHICAGO — Jonathan Toews’ offensive numbers have been subpar this season, but the Chicago Blackhawks’ captain came through with a huge performance Sunday night.
Toews scored the tiebreaking goal with 1:18 remaining and Chicago beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 for its third straight victory.
Toews, who also had three assists, connected from the left circle after Richard Panik’s shot from right wing hit Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler’s leg, went wide and caromed off the back boards. Toews fired the puck in before Canucks goalie Ryan Miller could move across the crease.
“The goals I’ve scored lately are just getting those bounces, being in the right spot at the right time,” said Toews, who now has eight goals and 18 assists in 40 games. “It was nice to get that one on my stick.”
Toews snapped a sixgame drought with the goal. He had just two assists during that span.
Panik had a goal and an assist and Patrick Kane also scored for the Blackhawks, who have won seven of their last nine. Marian Hossa added an empty-netter with 24 seconds left for his 18th goal and 400th point with Chicago.
All the offensive kudos were directed toward Toews, however.
“It’s a huge night for him,” Panik said. “Hopefully he’ll jump on that and go from here.”
Corey Crawford made 26 saves to earn his 200th win after Troy Stecher and Bo Horvat scored 46 seconds apart early in
the third period to tie it for Vancouver.
“It’s always nice to reach those milestones.” Crawford said. “It’s tough to give up that lead, too.
“We didn’t get down, didn’t get frustrated. Came back with a big goal. Nice to see ‘Tazer’ get that one too.”
Miller stopped 31 shots as the Canucks lost in regulation for just the second time in their last 13.
And Vancouver’s veteran goalie lost in regulation for the first time since Dec. 22 to Winnipeg. He’s 7-1-2 since that 4-1 defeat.