NHL scores 2017: Blackhawks, Penguins showcase potential Stanley Cup Final series

If Wednesday showed us anything, it’s that the Blackhawks and Penguins would make one fine Stanley Cup matchup.

As much as it pains me as a watcher of the hockey team from Philadelphia, it’s hard to deny that a Stanley Cup Final between the NHL’s biggest competitors over the last decade would be anything other than fun. Chicago’s 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh held almost everything you’d want in a title series: big hits, skillful goals, spectacular saves, and players that are sure to divide a room no matter what team you root for.

We’re certainly getting ahead of ourselves, of course, but it’s quite the matchup from an entertainment standpoint, and for the NHL’s ratings.

As for the game, Patrick Kane had his second hat trick in three games, and now has 12 goals in his last 11 to help carry the Blackhawks to a 10-1 record over that span.

The Penguins, meanwhile, are a bit cold, having lost four of their last six games. The stretch has actually dropped them into a tie for third place in the Metropolitan Division, and just two points ahead of the Rangers in the first Wild Card position.

But don’t fret just yet, Penguins. Help is on the way to your defense.

Lightning 4, Hurricanes 3 (OT)
Blackhawks 4, Penguins 1

1. The Lightning were asleep like the rest of you ... but somehow won

Otherwise, there’s no explanation for their 16 shot victory. Yes, the Lightning bested the Hurricanes with 16 shots, four goals, and quite the overtime finisher.

Even more incredible is the Hurricanes held a 2-1 lead coming into the third period, though they forced overtime on a shorthanded goal late in the frame. Despite the sleepy effort, Tampa Bay has closed the Wild Card gap to only three points with the win. At 7-1-2 in their last 10 games, look out Eastern Conference.

Oh and don’t look at Eddie Lack’s stat line, Hurricanes fans.

2. Ron Hainsey made his presence known

Though his telegraphed assist helped the Penguins momentarily even themselves with the Blackhawks in the second period, Hainsey set the tone early in this game with a monster hit.

Weeeeeee indeed!

3. Another goal of the year candidate has been submitted

This time courtesy of Richard Panik.

Talk about a dangle, as Panik totally fools Evgeni Malkin on the play for the eventual Blackhawks’ game-winner. We mentioned on Twitter that it might be the best goal of the year, and we aren’t fibbing. Us folks here at SB Nation write truths not fabrications.

Clutch time in the offensive zone and Jay McClement’s game-tying goal helped the Hurricanes get to overtime on a game they, by all rights, should have had wrapped up.

Scott Wilson had a great second period goal for the Penguins, but that’s all he’s going to get for the month, unfortunately.