DALLAS (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks are getting strong play from their best players — and that’s a big reason they are 4-0.
Marian Hossa scored his NHL-leading fifth goal on a power play 1:41 into overtime to give Chicago a 3-2 comeback victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.
Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews tied the score late in the third period, and Patrick Sharp had a goal and two assists. Patrick Kane added two assists, including a dazzling pass on Hossa’s game-winner, to extend his scoring streak to four games (two goals, five assists).
“First really big test coming from behind and I think we didn’t quit," Hossa said. “Huge goal by Toews at the end kept us in the game."
The Blackhawks, who matched the franchise’s best start set during the 1972-73 season, overcame a 2-0 second-period deficit. Corey Crawford made 21 saves and stopped Ryan Garbutt on a penalty shot.
“We just kept sticking to the same play, kept going, and our guys did a great job not getting frustrated," Crawford said. “All the missed opportunities or big saves sometimes gets to you. But tonight was great. We got some big goals and an amazing play by Kaner at the end there."
With Dallas captain Brenden Morrow in the penalty box for interference, Hossa fired a one-timer from the slot past goalie Kari Lehtonen after receiving a nifty, behind-the-back pass from Kane.
“We’ll talk about that one for a long time, like he had eyes behind his head," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said of Kane’s pass. “He saw Hoss and everybody thought it was on the left side, including me, and then he pulls that off and Hoss doesn’t waste it and buries it. It was a special ending."
Also on Thursday:
Flyers 2
Rangers 1
PHILADELPHIA — Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek scored to help Philadelphia win its first game of the season.
Canadiens 4
Capitals 1
WASHINGTON — Andrei Markov’s resurgence continued with a goal and an assist, and Montreal cruised past Washington.
Hurricanes 6
Sabres 3
RALEIGH, N.C. — Eric Staal scored three goals, Jeff Skinner added two and Carolina earned its first victory of the season by handing Buffalo its first loss.
Islanders 7
Maple Leafs 4
TORONTO — Matt Moulson and Michael Grabner scored two goals each, and the New York Islanders rallied for a win over Toronto.
Senators 3
Panthers 1
SUNRISE, Fla. — Erik Karlsson scored the go-ahead goal midway through the second period and Ottawa won its third straight game to start the season, beating Florida.
Blues 3
Predators 0
ST. LOUIS — Patrik Berglund scored on a penalty shot and goalie Jaroslav Halak bounced back from a poor game to lead St. Louis over Nashville.
Avalanche 4
Blue Jackets 0
DENVER — Matt Duchene scored two goals and set up another, Semyon Varlamov made 33 saves and Colorado blanked Columbus.
Oilers 2
Kings 1
EDMONTON, Alberta — Sam Gagner scored a power-play goal 3:01 into overtime and Edmonton rallied past Los Angeles to leave the defending Stanley Cup champions winless in three games this season.
Sharks 5
Coyotes 3
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Patrick Marleau scored the tiebreaking goal with 1:53 remaining for his third straight two-goal game, helping San Jose rally from a two-goal deficit to beat Phoenix.
