Blackhawks Use Big 3rd Period To Win Opener

Oct 2, 2013 7:52 AM

>>Big 3rd Period Leads 'Hawks Over Caps

Brandon Saad, Johnny Oduya and Marian Hossa scored in the third period, and the Chicago Blackhawks kicked off their Stanley Cup title defense with a 6-4 victory over Mikhail Grabovski and the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.

Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook and Brandon Bollig also scored as Chicago won its first game for the second straight season. Corey Crawford made 28 saves, including a couple of huge stops when the Blackhawks killed off a late 5-on-3 power play.

Grabovski had three goals and an assist in his first game since he signed with Washington in August. Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist, but the Capitals were unable to protect a third-period lead.

NHL
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Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Montreal Canadiens 3
Winnipeg Jets 5, Edmonton Oilers 4

>>Blackhawks Raise Championship Banner

(Chicago, IL) -- The Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks raised their championship banner during a ceremony before Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Washington Capitals at the United Center. The 'Hawks won their fifth Stanley Cup in franchise history and second in four years following a six-game series win over the Boston Bruins last spring. Chicago went 24 straight games without a regulation loss to begin the lockout-shortened season, which was the best start in NHL history. The 'Hawks are looking to become the first team since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998 to repeat as champions.