The Chicago Blackhawks snapped their three-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, January 31, at the United Center.
The Blackhawks had a great performance by goaltender Kevin Lankinen, who made 32 saves in Sunday’s win.
“Every single game, every single period I’m out there, I feel more and more relaxed. I get more and more confidence,” said Lankinen, who is 3-1-2 with a 1.97 goals-against average and .937 save percentage in his first six NHL starts. “I don’t like to judge my game by the numbers that much.”
Lankinen, who helped the Blackhawks improve to a 3-4-3 record in the Western conference, held the Blue Jackets to one goal on the night.
His hot play at goalie allowed the Blackhawks offense to score two goals by rookies Philipp Kurashev and Pius Suter. Another goal was added by veteran Patrick Kane for his fourth goal of the season.
Final Score: Blackhawks 3, Blue Jackets 1.
With the win, the Blackhawks snapped a three-game losing streak. Blackhawks Note:
According to NHL.com, Patrick Kane has 1,032 career points (393 goals, 639 assists), one shy of tying Doug Weight (1,033) for sixth among U.S.-born players in NHL history. Chicago played with 12 forwards and six defensemen after it used 11 forwards and seven defensemen the previous two games. Blackhawks forward Reese Johnson had one shot and a team-high seven hits in 10:56 of ice time in his NHL debut.
Chicago Crusader Players of The Game:
Goaltender Kevin Lankinen, Blackhawks, made 32 saves. Rookies Philipp Kurashev and Pius Suter, Blackhawks, added one goal each.
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago. He can be reached at [email protected].
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago.
