The Blackhawks really needed a win last night and finally got one when Cristobal Huet stopped Sergei Samsonov in the shootout.  After giving up a goal with less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation, not coming out of the game with two points would have been very disappointing.

Carolina got on the board first, but the Hawks answered with goals from Kris Versteeg and Troy Brouwer.  However, ex-Blackhawk Tuomo Ruutu tallied a power play goal with 26 seconds left in the game to even the score at two.  In the shootout goals by Toews and Kane were matched by Carolina, then after Bolland hit the post, Huet made a save to extend the game.  Versteeg netted what ended up being the game winner and the Hawks got a much needed two points.

More good news from yesterday came when Nikolai Khabibulin was activated from the injured list.  Also, Martin Havlat’s injury doesn’t look to be too serious and he is listed as day-to-day.

I mentioned this the other day, but Kris Versteeg has been huge for the Blackhawks lately.  He had another goal last night to add to his shootout winner and the rookie looks like he’ll be an important part of the stretch run, which is never what you want for a rookie, but the kid looks up to it.  I think Kane and Toews being around really helps Versteeg, because they are essentially the same age and have just gone through the experience Versteeg is having.

Patrick Kane managed to net a shootout goal, but for a while it looked like he was never going to score.  Kane got behind the Canes defense late in overtime, but couldn’t get it past Cam Ward.  Earlier in the OT, Kane hit the crossbar on what should have been the game winner.  With a guy like Kane though, it’s okay if he’s missing some chances.  He’s playmaker and as long as he is finding space on the ice and setting people up-he had an assist in regulation-the Blackhawks will be thrilled with his production.

Despite any kind of disappointment from not winning in regulation, the win feels good.  Anytime the Hawks can grab two points with all the injuries, they’ll take it.  Columbus comes to town Friday night, and they’ll gladly take two more.

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Tags: Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Cristobal Huet, Jonathan, Kris Versteeg, Nikolai Khabibulin, Patrick Kane