Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Antti Niemi stopped 28 shots to record his sixth shutout of the season as Chicago snapped Phoenix's nine-game win streak by a 2-0 count at United Center.
Niemi, Blackhawks Put A Stop To Coyotes 9-Game Win Streak
Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa scored for the Blackhawks, who had dropped four of five coming in and regained sole possession of the top spot in the Western Conference with 99 points.
“Nobody gets those too often,” Niemi said of the shutout. “It gives other guys a little bit more confidence.”
Ilya Bryzgalov made 30 saves in defeat for the Coyotes, who hadn't lost since March 2 and climbed to the top of the Pacific Division over the weekend thanks to a six-game Sharks' losing streak.
“They were a very determined team tonight,” Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said of the Blackhawks. “We turned over a lot of pucks to create transition chances for them.”
San Jose, however, regained a one-point edge over Phoenix (98-97) after its 4-1 win at Minnesota earlier Tuesday.
Following a scoreless first period, Chicago got on the board when Kane zipped a wrister under the crossbar at 1:45 of the second period.
Hossa doubled the ‘Hawks edge at 7:16 when his shot from the left circle beat Bryzgalov through his pads.
The Phoenix netminder made 14 saves in the middle period and Niemi made the Chicago lead hold up with eight stops of his own.
Despite three power plays in the third period, the Coyotes could not put one past Niemi. The young Finn stopped 11 shots in the final 20 minutes, including three shots from within 10 feet by Phoenix spread out among its man advantages.
Phoenix won the season series 3-1-0...Chicago has beaten the ‘Yotes in five of the last six meetings in Illinois...Both clubs are in action on Thursday with the Blackhawks traveling to Columbus and the Coyotes are in Nashville.
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