Monday, January 31, 2022 07:30 PM (ET)

Canucks hold on to defeat struggling Blackhawks

Field Level Media
Jan 31, 2022

Alex Chiasson and Brock Boeser scored in the first two periods and the Vancouver Canucks hung on for a 3-1 win against the host Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

Luke Schenn added an empty-net goal for the Canucks, who are 2-0-2 in their past four games. Vancouver's Jaroslav Halak made 20 saves in his first appearance since Dec. 30, having been sidelined due to COVID-19 protocol.

Connor Murphy scored and Marc-Andre Fleury made 29 saves for the Blackhawks, who lost for the sixth time in their past seven games (1-4-2).

After registering just one shot on goal in the first period in their loss to the Flames on Saturday, the Canucks had more jump early against the Blackhawks. Vancouver had seven shot attempts through the opening three minutes, including three on goal.

Some quick passing put the Canucks on the board first at 12:21 of the first period, with Chiasson taking a feed from Justin Dowling in the slot and beating Fleury glove side for the 1-0 lead.

The Blackhawks pressed early in the second, but it was the visitors who struck again.

Boeser, by the side of the net, deflected a shot by defenseman Quinn Hughes at the left wall to make it 2-0 at 4:28 of the middle frame.

It was the Canucks' 16th shot on goal.

Chicago began to push a few minutes later, but Halak held the fort, stopping an attempt by Dylan Strome from the bottom of the left circle, making a point-blank save on Henrik Borgstrom in the slot and poking the puck away before an uncovered Patrick Kane in front could get a touch.

Murphy cut it to 2-1 at 13:01 of the third period, striking quickly from the left wall on a feed from Kane.

Schenn scored from the defensive zone into the vacated net with 21 seconds remaining for the 3-1 final.

Chiasson and teammate J.T. Miller each played in his 600th NHL game.

--Field Level Media

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