If the Chicago Blackhawks were ever going to squander a three-goal, first-period lead and lose in overtime, Saturday at Nationwide Arena was the time and place. With third place in the Central Division already secured, the Blackhawks were defeated 5-4 by the Columbus Blue Jackets when Scott Hartnell scored his second of the game at 2:28 of overtime.
The Blackhawks (47-26-9) will play the St. Louis Blues in the Western Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite the loss, Patrick Kane wrapped up the first Art Ross Trophy by an American-born player in style with two goals and an assist. Kane scored the first and fourth goals for Chicago and finished the season with NHL career-highs in goals (46), assists (60) and points (106).
Hartnell, goalless in 15 games, scored twice and had two assists for Columbus (34-40-8). His first goal was the 300th of his NHL career; he scored the winner on a power play. Cam Atkinson took a shot from the right circle that deflected off Brent Seabrook then hit Hartnell’s body on the way into the goal. Artemi Panarin had two goals and an assist, and finished his rookie season with 30 goals and 77 points. Panarin and linemate Kane drew praise from Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville after they gave Chicago an early lead.
More important than the outcome was the return of Crawford after missing 11 games with an upper-body injury. He made 20 saves but was snakebitten by some unlucky plays, such as the overtime goal and Hartnell’s first goal that came off of a shot that hit the glass behind the net and landed at the crease for an easy tap-in. Quenneville is happy to have his veteran goalie back for the defense of the Stanley Cup. Crawford was given a quick cushion.
Panarin assisted on Kane’s goal nine seconds into the game and scored twice in the opening 14:06 to give Chicago a 3-0 lead on five shots. Hartnell scored his 22nd at 6:31 of the second period and Matt Calvert scored his 11th at 12:55 with a backhander that went off the back of Trevor van Riemsdyk.
Former Blackhawks forward Brandon Saad’s 31st made it 3-3 at 17:00 of the second off of a pass to the slot by Alexander Wennberg, who in addition to two assists, put Columbus ahead 4-3 at 3:09 of the third with his eighth goal.
The sellout crowd of 19,177 that was comprised by a majority of Chicago fans energized the building. Kane’s shot from between the circles at 9:49 of the third tied the game at 4-4. It wasn’t enough for Chicago but it didn’t matter.
Hawks Quotes
Patrick Kane: “It’s going to be a great series. They’re a hard, physical team. For awhile here they’ve been trying to get over the hump. I know they have that in the back of their minds too. I know they have a lot of motivation to do that.”
Corey Crawford: “He’s been the best player in the League. Points-wise he’s really shown it. He’s been really smart, too, knowing when to take chances and when to be smart in the right areas. His game is evolving so much.”
“It’s hard coming in after missing some games. That was a quick game. There were some good things I did out there and it was good to get into a game and see certain types of situations, get a feel for it going into the playoffs. I’m ready.”
Joel Quenneville: “There were some wow factors tonight with [Panarin] and [Kane] that was fun to see. They finished the season on an amazing note. It’s been a good watching these guys. Very remarkable years. Getting that game for him under his belt was the best thing for him and us. It’s a big step.”
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