Chicago Blackhawks Return to Win Column with 2-0 Shutout of the Calgary Flames

Mar 26, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate a victory against the Calgary Flames at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Flames 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Calgary Flames by a score of 2-0 on Tuesday night, with Ray Emery earning the shutout for the Blackhawks, in relief of Corey Crawford.

Early in the first period, the Hawks were on the Power Play due to a Jarome Iginla high-stick, and event though they generated several golden opportunities to score, the Hawks failed to finish.  7:09 into the first period, the Hawks finally found a way to get the puck past Flames’ goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff off a Nick Leddy wrist shot, to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead, which hold through the end of the first period.

In the second period, Dave Bolland was the recipient of a nasty high-stick from Jiri Hudler which drew blood, leading to a 4-minute Power Play for the Hawks.  During the extended man advantage, the Hawks were able to generate several more solid chances along with 4 shots on goal, but once again the Power Play ended for the Hawks with nothing to show for it.  The rest of the period played out as if the Hawks were on a Power Play the whole time, as they out shot Calgary 16 shots to 3 shots during the second frame.  Finally, with just over 2 minutes remaining in the period, Brent Seabrook gave the Hawks a nice insurance goal, to make it 2-0 after 2 periods of play.

The third period would settle down and come to a calm finish, as the Hawks completed the 2-0 shutout of the Calgary Flames, to earn their 25th win of the season.

Notes-

Ray Emery improved to an unbelievable 12-0-0 on the season with his first shutout since February 1st 2010, also against the Calgary Flames when he was a member of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Miikka Kiprusoff played outstanding for the Flames tonight, as he allowed only 2 goals on several flurrys of shots from the Hawks.

Patrick Kane continues to pile up the points at an outstanding pace, as he assisted on both Blackhawk goals.

Brent Seabrook continues his quietly strong offensive season with his 6th goal on the campaign.

Although the generated several scoring chances, the Blackhawks Power Play went 0 for 5 on the night.

Next up for the Blackhawks is a rematch between the two titans of the Western Conference as they take on the Anaheim Ducks, Friday night at the United Center.  Puck drop is set for 7:30.