The Chicago Blackhawks were certainly hoping for a better start to Friday's game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Just 1:14 into the first period, Bobby Ryan clapped a wrister past Corey Crawford for a quick 1-0 Anaheim lead. Then, less than a minute late, Andrew Cogliano redirected a fortunate bounce from Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu for another Anaheim score, pushing the Ducks' advantage to 2-0.
The game appeared to be spiraling out of control when at 3:45 Jonathan Toews drew a holding penalty, giving the Ducks a power play and a position of considerable strength. The Hawks fought off the power play, though, and promptly harassed the Ducks defense, leading to a Patrick Sharp 10-foot tip in goal and a 2-1 game.
A Marcus Kruger hooking call at 13:37 helped double the Ducks' lead when Salanne slapped a 33-foot goal, but they kindly gave the goal back when a Francois Beauchemin tripping penalty led to a Dave Bolland goal and a 3-2 game.
Both teams will be looking for greater production from their goalies in the next two periods, as both sport save percentages beneath 80% after the first.
Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks be sure to visit Second City Hockey. For more Ducks hockey news and information, be sure to read Anaheim Calling.