In Chicago, the New Y9ork Islanders had their five-game win streak snapped, 3-2, in the skills competition.
The loss dropped the Isles to 29-15-5.
“We wanted to have a little bit of a better game,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. “Our first [period] was OK. Take nothing away; Chicago’s playing good hockey. They played us well back at the Coliseum (New York won 3-2 in overtime on Jan. 3). I’ve been watching them, obviously they beat Washington (8-5 on Sunday).
“[Patrick] Kane and [Jonathan] Toews, they’re at that elite level right now. They’ve got some young guys that are very dangerous. … They’ve got some winning pedigree, some great leadership in that room.”
Dylan Strome and Jonathan Toews had strikes for the Blackhawks in regulation.
Toews and Patrick Kane scored in the skills portion of the contest to get the win.
Cam Ward had 34 saves through overtime and then made two saves in the skills competition.
Both Chicago goals came on the power play.
“We’re just gaining confidence,” Strome said. “When [Erik Gustafsson] and I came on, I think the power play was doing alright and we just tried to keep it simple for the first couple games and get our confidence and kind of feel each other out.
“Obviously you want the puck in [Kane’s] hands, he makes a lot of plays, [Alex DeBrincat’s] a shooter and [Gustafsson] kind of does both.”
Valtteri Filppula and Mathew Barzal sco
“They have a good power play,” Barzal said. “Calls are unfortunate. I thought we played hard; it’s unfortunate. The PK’s done a great job the last 20 games. Five-on-3 is tough; they have some of the most skilled guys in the world. Our PKers work hard every night, block shots, put their bodies on the line. Skill players are going to get chances.”
[WATCH: All Islanders vs. Blackhawks highlights]
Robin Lehner made 38 saves in the loss.
“We had our chances, for sure,” the Isles’ Anders Lee said. “You take one (point) on the road. Obviously you always want to get two, but in a situation like this in a shootout loss, it is what it is.”
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