CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks set an NHL record for the best start to a season, beating the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on Friday night to give them at least one point in their first 17 games.
Blackhawks rookie Brandon Saad scored a short-handed goal early in the third period to snap a 1-all tie. Chicago (14-0-3) won its fourth straight game to break a mark set by the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks, who earned points in their first 16 games.
The Blackhawks equaled that run Tuesday with a shootout win over Vancouver.
Viktor Stalberg also scored for league-leading Chicago, which has captured a total of 31 of 34 possible points.
Also on Friday:
Canucks 1
Predators 0
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dale Weise broke a scoreless tie at 9:14 of the third period and Roberto Luongo made 23 saves to record the shutout as Vancouver defeated Nashville.
Penguins 3
Panthers 1
PITTSBURGH — Matt Niskanen and Dustin Jeffrey scored third-period goals to send Pittsburgh over Florida.
