Chicago thump Sabres

The Chicago Blackhawks improved to 6-1-1 on Sunday with a methodical 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

Corey Crawford made 33 saves to get the win.

“We didn’t really give up that much,” Crawford said.  “We got a lot more goals too, so that seems to be rolling for us right now. We were able to get chances in other games, but the puck’s going in a lot right now, so that’s kind of nice.”

Kirby Dach struck twice to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead in the game.

“I’m starting to play good,” Dach said. “I have a lot of confidence in myself and the team is playing good, so I think that kind of helps out with individual success.

“When your team is going the right way and you’re winning games and scoring goals and your top players are producing -[I’m] not saying I’m a top player or anything — but it helps a lot when everybody is kind of going and we’re scoring.”

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews added single markers to the scoresheet.

“It’s nice to get on a little bit of a run here,” Kane said. “It’s something we’ve been waiting for all season. We play pretty well in these back to backs, so nice to put a little stretch together and feel good about our game.

“Obviously we’re getting production from all over the lineup right now, and I think that’s key if you’re going to go on some winning stretches.”

Jack Eichel added a lipstick goal late in the game to erase the shutout bid.

“I think it was a great team effort,” Crawford said. “Our PK was solid; I don’t think they had anything from the middle on their power play, which is great. Just shots, one-timers from the side, and I’ve just got to try and control the rebound and our guys take care of the rest.”

[WATCH: All Sabres vs. Blackhawks highlights]

Carter Hutton made 23 saves in the loss and should be drafting papers of nonsupport from his offense.

“I thought we started well, actually,” Jimmy Vesey  said after the loss. “I thought there was a lot to like in the first period, but as the game went on, I thought they made the most of their chances and we’ve got to do a better job of capitalizing on ours. To be honest, it can’t be the same guys every night. I think we need contributions from up and down our lineup.”