Gaudreau scores twice to lift Flames past Blackhawks

[January 08, 2019]  Johnny Gaudreau scored twice and Sean Monahan netted one goal and one assist as the visiting Calgary Flames claimed a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night.

Calgary goalie David Rittich made 32 saves in the victory. The Western Conference-leading Flames are on a 4-1-0 run entering a five-game homestand. Gaudreau has collected 13 points in a five-game goal-scoring streak.

Gaudreau -- who was named the NHL's first star of the week earlier Monday -- opened the scoring at 3:24 of the first period. Chicago goalie Collin Delia made the save on Monahan's shot, but Gaudreau pounced on the rebound and buried it into the net.

Patrick Kane then provided a show-time performance of his own to put the Blackhawks ahead. First, Kane drew his team even at 16:34 of the first period with an eye-popping sharp-angled backhand for his 24th goal of the year.

Kane then sent up Alex DeBrincat for his 20th goal of the year at the 5:07 mark of the second period. DeBrincat one-timed a beautiful cross-ice pass off the rush, ripping a short-side effort. Kane has collected nine goals and 10 assists in his past 11 games.

However, Monahan netted a pretty power-play goal with 1:18 remaining in the middle frame for his 23rd goal of the season to tie the game. Monahan was parked in the low slot and finished a four-player passing play with a top-corner shot to make it a 2-2 game.

Gaudreau netted his second goal of the night 54 seconds into the third period to again put the Flames ahead. Mark Giordano sprung Gaudreau on a breakaway, and the red-hot sniper ripped a five-hole shot for his 26th goal of the season. Giordano's assist was the 300th of his career.

Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) celebrates with center Sean Monahan (23) after scoring against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Garnet Hathaway appeared to ice the game with a short-handed, empty-net goal with 50 seconds left on the clock, Calgary's 14th short-handed goal of the season. The tally became the game-winner because Brandon Saad scored with 29 seconds remaining.

Delia stopped 39 shots for the Blackhawks, who have just one win in four games (1-2-1).

--Field Level Media

[© 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2019 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.