Darling Steals Another Win For Blackhawks, 2-1, Over Rangers

The Chicago Blackhawks found themselves playing the New York Rangers for the 2nd time in the last 3 games.  And in 3 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams, the score has been 1-0.  Each of the last 3 contests, the road team has won the game.  This game was no different as the Hawks squeaked out a 2-1 victory at Madison Square Garden.

Scott Darling and Antti Raanta have been outstanding for both of their teams as of late.  Both started where they left off as after 20 minutes, there was no score.

In the 2nd, one would say the flood gates were open as both teams combined for 3 goals in the period.  The Hawks got on the scoreboard as Trevor van Riemsdyk joined a rush and received a pass in the slot from Artemi Panarin and snapped it past Raanta for a 1-0 lead on his first of the year.  It was short lived as Jesper Fast made a nice play to swat the puck out of mid air as it spurted over the top of the net and he whacked it past Darling to tie the game at 1.

With less than two minutes remaining in the frame, Artem Anisimov scored his 13th goal of the year as he took a pass from a streaking Brian Campbell from behind the net and buried it behind Raanta for a 2-1 lead.

The third period was another goalie clinic by both goalies.  This time Darling was the winner with some remarkable standout saves.

Darling's free agent status at the end of this year has been brought up.  When asked about it after tonight's game, he said, "I'm auditioning for the Blackhawks right now.  I want to be a Blackhawk."  Let's hope that he does.  He's building himself up for a nice pay raise at the end of the year.

Notable Mentions: Both, Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook returned to the lineup after recovering from injuries.  Neither appeared on the score sheet, but they were both effective in their return.  Anisimov's GWG now was his 6th of the year.  That ties him for the league lead in that category.


3 Stars of the Game
1st - CHI - Scott Darling - 33 saves, SO
2nd - CHI - Artem Anisimov - (1G 1A)
3rd - NYR - Antti Raanta - 24 saves, .923 SV%

Next game: Thursday, December 15th, Away vs. New York Islanders, 6PM CT, TV-CSN, RADIO-WGN720AM

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!