Hawks edge Kings 3-2

 

Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Fernando Pisani scored, rookie Corey Crawford made 26 saves and the disciplined Blackhawks beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 on Sunday.The Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks won their second straight game, allowing only one power play after a penalty-free game Friday night in a 4-1 victory over Detroit.Kyle Clifford and Wayne Simmonds scored for the Kings, and Jonathan Quick stopped 21 shots. They lost in regulation for only the second time in their last eight games (5-2-1).Crawford started for the ninth time in 11 games for the Blackhawks, playing again without star forwards Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. Hossa led the Hawks with 88 points last season and Hossa had 51 in 57 games.Toews scored the only goal in a physical first period, connecting midway through the frame. He fired a low shot from the right circle through a screen and just beyond Quick’s outstretched left pad on the short side.Clifford tied it at 1:34 of the second, beating Crawford with a flashy move. Clifford streaked in off left wing, got behind the defense and scored after faking to his forehand and shooting on his backhand.Keith restored the lead 25 seconds later on a screened low shot from the left point with two Kings and two Blackhawks in the front of the net.Pisani made it 3-1 with 7:35 left in the second with his first goal since Nov. 20. He rifled a high shot over Quick from the slot after Dave Bolland’s centering pass slipped beyond the reach of its intended target, Bryan Bickell, and onto Pisani’s stick as he followed up on the play.Simmonds cut it to 3-2 at 1:20 of the third, just 2 seconds after a Los Angeles power play elapsed. He chopped a shot over Crawford from the edge of the crease.The Kings pressured late, but Crawford was sharp when Los Angeles was able to generate chances.

NOTES—Kane missed his sixth game because of an injured left ankle. Hossa sat out his ninth game with an injury, but has resumed skating. Viktor Stalberg missed his second game… Los Angeles played D Matt Green missed his third game with an upper-body injury and D Willie Mitchell missed his second because of a lower-body injury. Kings RW Brad Richardson returned Sunday after missing four games with an upper-body injury.