The Chicago Blackhawks made a big statement against the Washington Capitals in a potential Stanley Cup preview Sunday afternoon.
Dennis Rasmussen scored the game-winner as the Blackhawks regained top spot in the Western Conference with a 3-2 victory over the league-leading Capitals.
Andrew Ladd picked up an assist in his first game since returning to Chicago when Jonathan Toews buried a go-ahead goal off a nice feed from Teuvo Teravainen on the power-play earlier in the game.
The captain gives @NHLBlackhawks the lead. #WSHvsCHIhttps://t.co/RDJHHzs41y
— NHL (@NHL) February 28, 2016
Patrick Kane also scored in the win, while Corey Crawford outplayed Braden Holtby at the other end making 28 saves to help the Blackhawks snap a two-game losing skid.
Corey Crawford (33-16-3) of the @NHLBlackhawks ranks second in the NHL with 33 wins (Braden Holtby: 39). #WSHvsCHI pic.twitter.com/7yJ636yCcT
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 28, 2016
With the victory, Chicago overtook the Dallas Stars for top spot in the Central Division with 83 points, and sit 11 points back of Washington in the Presidents' Trophy race. The Blackhawks will head to Detroit for an Original Six matchup versus the Red Wings on Wednesday.
Marcus Johansson and Evgeny Kuznetsov scored for the Capitals, who'll look to get back on track Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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