Chicago Blackhawks Vs. Los Angeles Kings Final Score: Hawks Defense Strong In 2-1 Win

The Chicago Blackhawks (14-7-3, 31 pts) survived a late offensive onslaught from the Los Angeles Kings (11-8-4, 26 pts), winning 2-1 and maintaining their lead of the Central Division.

The Blackhawks scored early, taking a 1-0 lead in the first period, but the Kings fought back in the second period, tying the game at 1-1. The decider came on a Jonathan Toews goal late in the second period, which pushed the Blackhawks in the lead with a 2-1 score.

During the second intermission, Toews described the goal -- his 13th of the season -- as "lucky" during his interview with the WGN commentators, but lucky or not, the goal proved decisive as both teams' defenses dominated the final period. The Kings, down by a goal, became ultra-aggressive in the later half of the third period, finishing the frame with 10 shots-on-goal to the Blackhawks' 5.

Corey Crawford (26 saves, .963 save percentage) and the Hawks defense looked as if they were fending off a power-play from the ferocious Kings offense, but ultimately outlasted the LA attack and survived -- with a shot ricocheting off Crawford's glove in the final seconds -- to capture their 14th regulation win.

For in-game score updates, post-game recaps, and all Chicago sports breaking news, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more Chicago Blackhawks, visit Second City Hockey.

Blackhawks Vs. Kings Score Update: Chicago Leads 2-1 Entering 3rd Period

The Chicago Blackhawks continue to out-shoot the Los Angeles Kings, leading them 22 shots to 17, but lead only by the narrowest of margins entering the third and final period.

Just two minutes into the second period, the Blackhawks -- worst in the league in penalty kills -- handed the Kings their first power-play of the game. Michael Frolik drew a slashing call against Drew Doughty, but the Hawks were able to survive a pair of shots on goal and effectively kill the power play.

Unfortunately, Jarret Stoll spoiled the defensive effort, connecting for a game-tying goal 7:58 into the period, putting the Kings on the board. Patrick Kane and Victory Stalberg nearly tied the game up midway through the period, breaking away for a two-on-goalie chance, but a tight pass from Stalberg lead to a misfired shot from Kane.

With about three minutes left in the period and the game tied 1-1, Jonathan Toews caught a rebound from Duncan Keith's long-distance shot, poking the puck into into the Kings' net for a 2-1 game and a regained lead.

The Blackhawks lead 2-1 entering the third period, looking to pull away and take a second-straight win.

For in-game score updates, post-game recaps, and all Chicago sports breaking news, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more Chicago Blackhawks, visit Second City Hockey.

Chicago Blackhawks Vs. Los Angeles Kings Score Update: Hawks Score First, Lead 1-0 Early

The Chicago Blackhawks enter the second period sporting an unusual statistical advantage over the Los Angeles Kings: The lead.

After losing three straight games in the late-November stretch, the Blackhawks finally escaped their fall swoon after winning 6-5 against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. Tonight, for the first time in seemingly forever, the Hawks have finished the first period with a 1-0 lead.

The Blackhawks got on the board midway through the first period when Marcus Kruger and Duncan Keith set up Andrew Brunette for a wrap-around goal, slipping the puck by Jonathan Quick. The Kings defense stiffened through the remainder of the period, but the Hawks still managed a 10 to 6 shot differential.

Going into the second half, the Blackhawks will look to continue to avoid allowing a Kings power-play -- the Hawls currently are last in the league with a 73% penalty kill rate.

For in-game score updates, post-game recaps, and all Chicago sports breaking news, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more Chicago Blackhawks, visit Second City Hockey.

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