Scott Powers, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 4, Flyers 0

CHICAGO – Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks’ 4-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers at the United Center on Tuesday.

How it happened: The Blackhawks finally got their goal tally to reflect their shot quantity. After struggling to score goals in the last two games despite heavily outshooting their opponents, the Blackhawks found the inside of net with ease on Tuesday. Brandon Saad opened their scoring account when he knocked in a loose puck at the net at 11:54. Patrick Kane added a power-play goal 32 seconds later. For a third first-period goal, Saad connected with Bryan Bickell for a goal. Kane scored another power-play goal in the third period. Blackhawks goaltender Antti Raanta filled in for injured Corey Crawford and recorded his second career shutout. He made 32 saves. Flyers goaltender Steve Mason made 39 saves on 43 shots.

What it means: The Blackhawks extended their points streak to five games to begin the season. They improved to 4-0-1 with the win. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville shook up his lines in hopes of creating more offense. They had scored three goals in the last two games. Quenneville’s new third line of Bickell, Brad Richards and Saad accounted for two of the four goals. The Blackhawks also came into the game focused to improve their power play. They were 0-for-5 on it in their last game. They scored two goals and had eight shots on goal on four power plays against the Flyers. The Flyers fell to 1-3-2 on the season.

Player of the game: Saad was moved from the second line to the third line and gave it an immediate spark. He scored a goal and set up Bickell on the other. Saad has five points in five games.

Stat of the game: The Blackhawks outshot the Flyers 19-9 on goal in the first period. The Blackhawks have outshot their opponents 49-14 in the first period in the last three games.

What’s next: The Blackhawks hit the road for two games after four home games. They play at the Nashville Predators on Thursday and at the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.

^ Back to Top ^