Martin Havlat, Patrick Kane Help Hawks Douse the Flames

The Blackhawks came into the United Center off of a five-day layoff that most teams would view as an unwelcome break after winning three consecutive games.

Showing no signs of rust, Martin Havlat and Patrick Kane each got three points in a 6-1 romp over the Calgary Flames Sunday night. Troy Brouwer potted his second goal of the season and Jonathan Toews tickled the twine for his first goal of the season in the victory.

“It’s a good feeling,” Toews told chicagoblackhawks.com.  “I’ve been telling myself that the team’s playing great and that’s the most important thing. If we were losing and things weren’t going well as a team, there’d be a little bit more pressure when pucks aren’t going in, but they did tonight. Hopefully, that means there are going to be a lot more to come.”

Coach Quenneville was also satisfied with the effort, saying that the Hawks looked strong despite the six-day layoff.

The Blackhawks penalty killing unit, which has also been stout this season, held the Flames in check, going 8-for-8 in that department in the game.

Martin Havlat, after getting a double-minor in the first period for high-sticking, came out firing from the box, scoring a power play goal in the period and getting assists on the second and third periods.

Not to be outdone, Patrick Kane assisted on Toews' goal and added one of his own in the second. On the young season, Patrick Kane already has 18 points in 13 games, well-ahead of his Calder Cup-winning pace from last year. He also took the team lead in points from teammate Patrick Sharp, who was held pointless in the game.

The real story tonight, however, was Jonathan Toews. After what must have seemed like an eternity since first donning the captain's "C", Toews finally broke into the goal column scoring on a nifty shot in the opening minute of the third period.

Patrick Kane praised his teammate, adding that "he can just play now." Ideally, this could start a run of goals for the young Toews, but even if it doesn't, as long as the team's winning games, he's happy.

The Blackhawks will next take on the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night at the United Center. It will be a special night, as the Hawks will retire the jersey number of legends Keith Magnuson and Pierre Pilote. Tickets are still available at the Blackhawks website and through Ticketmaster.

The first 15,000 fans will receive a commemorative banner for the occasion and are encouraged to arrive early for the ceremony.