Patrick Kane scored a spectacular third-period goal just 3:25 after Minnesota had made it a one-goal game and the Blackhawks went on to win, 3-1, last night in Chicago, dropping the Wild to 0-8 on the road.
Cristobal Huet made 20 saves and extended his shutout streak to 113 minutes 2 seconds before Andrew Brunette’s power-play goal on a wild scramble in front of the net cut Chicago’s lead to 2-1 at 3:29 of the third.
The Wild had all the momentum until Kane stole the puck from Eric Belanger in the right corner. Kane skated behind the net and, when he couldn’t find an open teammate, weaved his way to the lower left circle. He then wheeled around and lifted the puck into a tiny gap between goalie Niklas Backstrom’s right shoulder and the crossbar for his 50th career goal.
Minnesota became the first NHL team to earn 0 points in its opening eight road games since Pittsburgh in 1996.
Maple Leafs 6, Ducks 3 - Niklas Hagman scored three of Toronto’s five power-play goals, and the visiting Maple Leafs finally earned their first victory of the season. Tomas Kaberle scored a career-high five points and Lee Stempniak added a career-best four as the Maple Leafs (1-7-1) finally slowed the worst start in the Original Six franchise’s history.
Rangers 5, Coyotes 2 - Marian Gaborik scored two goals and added an assist as New York broke out of its three-game funk with a win at Madison Square Garden.
Canadiens 3, Islanders 2 - Roman Hamrlik scored 1:32 into overtime and host Montreal extended its winning streak to four games.
