Monday Rewind: 3/16/2013 @ Dallas Stars

Mar 16, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad (20) and center Jonathan Toews (19) celebrate Toews goal against Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

March 16, 2013

American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Chicago Blackhawks (22-2-3) at Dallas Stars (12-11-3)

Recap:

The Dallas Stars have had their games where they had kept up to the Western Conference leading Chicago Blackhawks, but this night would not be one of them. March 16th was a night for the league’s best team to show everyone why they were at the top of the heap and to put on an offensive show to remember.

The Stars kept themselves in the game early, but they could not hold back the overwhelming power of the Blackhawks for long. Chicago captain Jonathan Toews deflected defenseman Nick Leddy’s shot into the net midway through the first period, and the flood gates were opened. Just 1:35 seconds later, Toews tapped in his second, which would be the eventual game-winning goal. Leddy in the goal column himself with just over two minutes to go in the first, and the Blackhawks headed in with a 3-0 lead, out-shooting the Stars 11 to 3 in the frame.

The Blackhawks came out and showed no signs of slowing down. Johnny Oduya ripped his shot past Kari Lethonen eight minutes in, ending his night after four goals on 17 shots. His replacement, Richard Bachman, wouldn’t have any better luck. Bachman met Marian Hossa, who scored on him Twice, the first at 12:18, and the second with under a minute to go, giving the Blackhawks a 6-0 lead.

After an early third-period goal by defenseman Duncan Keith, Dallas blue-liner Trevor Daley broke the Corey Crawford shutout bid and put the Stars on the board. #50 had yet another solid game in goal, stopping 18 of 19, with Daley’s bid coming on the power-play.

However, Crawford’s solid play was overshadowed by the Blackhawks’ offense, who were the stars of the show.

Patrick Kane put the exclamation point on the game, with this brilliant goal.

Final Score: Chicago 8 – Dallas 1

Hindsight:

The Blackhawks dominated the first two months of the season, going on their incredible streak of 24 games without a regulation loss. However, in their past three games before heading to Dallas, Chicago had allowed six goals twice, and only beat the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets in a shootout. Many fans around the league were wondering if the Blackhawks were going the other way in the second half of the season.

They weren’t. The ‘Hawks scored a season-high eight goals, and had everything going for them, from goaltending, to defensive zone coverage, and physicality. The struggling power-play even found a spark, striking twice in the game.

The Blackhawks were never gone, and even after a shaky week, they bounced back, and showed everyone just who was boss.

For more Blackhawks conversation, “Like” us on Facebook: Blackhawk Up, and follow us on Twitter: @Blackhawk_Up. Check back each weekday for a new summer daily special!