Corey Crawford and the Chicago Blackhawks stayed focused and tightened their play against a tough opponent to make their very first win of the season.
Crawford came through with big saves, and prevented Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl-- who got in as the NHL's top two scorers-- on a number of prime chances. McDavid, who has 12 points, was kept off the scoresheet for the first time this season. Draisaitl made an assist on Neal's goal.
Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton was impressed by his veteran goalie's play.
"He looked as sharp as ever," Colliton said. "He's really good. That team has some weapons and he was there."
Colliton was nearly has happy with the skaters in front of Crawford. The Blackhawks made a terribly needed win in the third video game of an early seven-game homestand as they skated before an announced crowd of 21,260 that was their 500th straight sellout at the United Center.
"Pretty delighted with the effort-- practically 60," Colliton said. "Really happy with how we knuckled down and did a few of the important things we've been speaking about."
Smith keeps it close
Mike Smith finished with 32 conserves for Edmonton, which had opened the season with five wins.
"We didn't play well adequate to win at all," McDavid stated. "We provided pucks away, we provided opportunities, and Smitty held us in the game all night."
Oilers coach Dave Tippett offered desperate Chicago some credit.
"They were a tough team tonight," Tippett said. "This homestand is huge for them, so they need to put some wins together."
Each team had several prime opportunities in a freely skated, but scoreless first duration.
Draisaitl and Oscar Klefbom both burst in a alone, however were dropped in Crawford. Smith made close-in saves money on Jonathan Toews and Alex DeBrincat.
VIEW Crawford stopped 27 shots, Patrick Kane and Alexander Nylander scored, and the Blackhawks beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 Monday night."I believe we were doing whatever excellent tonight," Crawford stated. Crawford came through with big conserves, and thwarted Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl-- who went into as the NHL's leading 2 scorers-- on a number of prime opportunities. Colliton was nearly has delighted with the skaters in front of Crawford. McDavid sped up around Chicago defenceman Olli Maatta and cut in on Crawford, but the veteran goalie blocked McDavid's stuff-in attempt with his best pad.