Chicago, IL (Sports Network) – Marian Hossa ignited a four-goal second period and the Chicago Blackhawks pounded the New York Islanders, 5-0, at United Center.
Hossa also set up goals by Dave Bolland and Niklas Hjalmarsson and Corey Crawford turned aside 29 shots to record his second career shutout as the Blackhawks snapped a six-game losing streak to the Islanders. Chicago hadn’t beaten New York since December 10, 2002.
Nathan Lawson made 40 saves for the Islanders, who finished with a 3-2-0 mark on their road trip.
Hossa converted a pass from Tomas Kopecky to make it 2-0 at the 2:10 mark of the middle frame. Patrick Kane scored on a one-timer at 7:19, Bolland found the back of the net at 16:24 and Hjalmarsson lit the lamp with 56 seconds remaining.
Patrick Sharp put Chicago on the board at 4:52 of the first period with his team-leading 25th goal of the season. It came with New York’s Bruno Gervais serving a holding penalty.
The Blackhawks had dropped three straight at home to New York since a 4-3 decision on December 7, 2001…Chicago improved to 5-2-0 against the Eastern Conference this season…Kopecky played in his 300th career game…Chicago defenseman Brian Campbell collected his 300th career point with an assist on Hjalmarsson’s goal.