Chicago Blackhawks Look Sharp in OT, Marian Hossa Brings Them Back from Brink

Monday night, with less than seven minutes left in regulation, the Blackhawks faced a two-goal deficit and probable loss at the hands of a division foe. Now, after two goals in two minutes and an overtime stunner, they lead the division and conference in points with nine.

Granted, those nine points are from seven games, the most anyone has played in the Western Conference. However they bring themselves to a 4-2-1 record with four of their next five games at home. Two of which are division rivals, including the seventh place St. Louis Blues whom they narrowly defeated Monday night.

The game was largely flat and a very end to end contest. The physical play never ramped up to its normal levels between these two teams which has been a very heated rivalry over the past few meetings. The only excitement was against the home fans, who were ready for anything to cheer at, but all they got were two goals by St. Louis' David Perron.

However, as the clock ticked away the minutes in the third period, the home fans got more pumped up as the Blackhawks turned up the intensity and the UC rocked free of its foundations when Marian Hossa, in the span of two shifts, netted two goals from Halak's doorstep to tie the game at two.

Patrick Sharp would later net the game winner,his third consecutive game winning goal, in OT off a beautiful tape-to-tape cross-ice feed from the other Patrick—Kane—to bring the Hawks to their first OT victory of the season and fourth overall.

The fans are elated to see “Hoss the Boss” not only living up to his massive 12-year, $62.8 million contract, but exceeding all expectations and helping the Blackhawks whether the storm.

When asked about Hossa's play, Coach Quenneville had nothing but praise for the Slovakian winger. “Hossa's been playing at a great level for us and he was instrumental in getting us back in the game. It ended up being a huge two points for us."

Hossa has now racked up 11 points and seven goals in Chicago's first seven games of the season, including the two in Monday night's OT thriller.

Answering questions of his own, netminder Marty Turco stepped up and made 32 saves in the game, including a staggering seven in overtime to keep the Hawks alive in the game. He was excited to see the team come together for a hard fought victory after the game.

“That team we played against, they're well-coached, they're responsible players and they make it tough. You've got to earn it," Turco said. "They can make you get frustrated pretty quick. Sometimes you need a break. Sometimes you need big plays. Tonight we were fortunate to get 'em.”

The Hawks still have many unanswered questions as they move forward in their quest to repeat their stellar run of last season, but one thing is for sure—they look sharp, and they aren't going down quietly.