The Chicago Blackhawks have won six of their last seven games; the Columbus Blue Jackets have dropped four straight. But even with every indicator pointing towards the red-hot 'Hawks, the Blue Jackets were hardly going to roll over at the United Center on Monday. The first period ends with 'Hawks fortunate to be clinging to a scoreless tie. Columbus dominated the action most of the way through, but Chicago goalie Corey Crawford was up for the task.
Columbus out-shot the Hawks 13-5 in the first period. The Blue Jackets also finished with more hits (14-7) and faceoff wins (8-6). Chicago had six giveaways to zero for Columbus. Without the stellar play of Crawford, the 'Hawks very easily could have found themselves in an early deficit.
The Blackhawks are 0-2 on the power play, while the Blue Jackets are 0-1. Columbus scored power play goals in their last three games before Christmas.
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