LDN - Sports

Blackhawks hang 10 on defending champion Penguins

[October 06, 2017] CHICAGO -- After back-to-back exits in the first round of the playoffs, the Chicago Blackhawks felt as if they had something to prove against the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

They made the point loud and clear Thursday night.

The Blackhawks scored five goals in the first period and stormed to a 10-1 blowout win in their season opener. The rout marked the first time Chicago scored 10 goals in a game since Oct. 12, 1988.

Brandon Saad notched his second career hat trick in his return to the Blackhawks after a two-year stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Teammate Ryan Hartman added a goal and four assists as part of a career-high, five-point night.

"Obviously, you can see the excitement we had coming into this first game," Hartman said. "We came out ready to play. We had five in the first, and we came in here and we didn't want to let up. It's the first game of the year. You want to keep up good habits."

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh (0-1-1) searched for explanations after a demoralizing loss. The Penguins have allowed 15 goals in their first two contests and have dropped seven games in a row to the Blackhawks.

"It's embarrassing," Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said. "I don't know what to say. ... It's a tough lesson, but we've got to take something from it. Hopefully, this is a wake-up call for us."

The Blackhawks set the tone with four goals in a 2:55 span in the first period. Patrick Kane set up two scores with dazzling backhand passes, one from behind the net and the other from the right circle.

Kane finished with a goal and three assists, leaving his teammates bewildered at his playmaking abilities.

"It's nice to be on this side of it," Saad said with a smile. "Last year and the year before, (I was) just watching the highlights on TV. It's always nice to see him work his magic out there."

Kane's first assist found Hartman, who punched in a shot from the left of the crease at 6:21 of the first period. Forty-five seconds later, Saad scored on a two-on-one break with Richard Panik to make it 2-0.

Only 28 seconds passed before the Blackhawks struck again. Kane slid a pass to Nick Schmaltz, who scored on the backhand. Saad finished the flurry when he collected a loose puck and snapped a low wrist shot into the net.

Penguins goaltender Antti Niemi was pulled midway through the first period after surrendering four goals on 13 shots. Matt Murray replaced Niemi and allowed six goals on 31 shots.

Neither goaltender deserved blame for the lopsided loss, Penguins defenseman Kris Letang said. Instead, Letang faulted himself and his fellow skaters for failing to keep the puck out of the defensive zone.

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Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad (20) scores a goal past Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Antti Niemi (31) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

"I felt bad for them," Letang said. "I'm sorry for these guys because they don't deserve that. They're two guys that battle really hard. It's not the way to start Antti in his first game with his new team. We owe him a big one."

The Blackhawks pulled ahead 5-0 on a breakaway by Patrick Sharp with 2:59 left in the first period.

Pittsburgh broke the shutout when Phil Kessel scored on a two-man advantage early in the second period. But any positive feelings for the Penguins were quickly swept away as Kane scored less than two minutes later.

"We were just playing hockey," Kane said. "We were trying to build chemistry, trying to get comfortable with ourselves. A lot of us really haven't played a meaningful game for a long time. It was nice to get out there and play some hockey."

Panik and Schmaltz added goals to make it 8-1 midway through the second period.

Saad notched his second career hat trick in the third period. Fans littered the ice with hats.

"I was in the right spot tonight," Saad said. "It's exciting to get one and be in this building. It's an incredible building to play in. To have that support and get a hat trick on the first night, it definitely feels good."

Chicago's Brent Seabrook capped the scoring with 6:15 to play.

Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford made 28 saves.

NOTES: Blackhawks RW Alex DeBrincat and D Jan Rutta made their NHL debuts. DeBrincat, 19, led the Ontario Hockey League with 65 goals in 63 games last season. Rutta, 27, played in the Czech Republic. ... Penguins RW Patric Hornqvist missed his second straight game as he recovers from surgery on his hand. ... Blackhawks RW Marian Hossa received a loud ovation when he was introduced before the game. Hossa, 38, was placed on long-term injury reserve because of a skin disorder. ... Penguins D Chad Ruhwedel and RW Josh Archibald were healthy scratches. ... Blackhawks RW Patrick Sharp notched his 600th career point.

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