Three Stars: Sharp, Toews Come Up Big for Blackhawks
Richards also makes big play as Hawks gain two critical points on home ice
By James Neveau ••
The Chicago Blackhawks are a team accustomed to starting out slowly and finishing with a bang, but they were forced to stay on their toes throughout Sunday’s game as they emerged with a 5-4 comeback victory over the Dallas Stars at the United Center.
The game was a fascinating one with of players stepping up to make big plays, but we’ll focus on the three that we felt were most important to the victory in this edition of Three Stars.
Third Star: Brad Richards
Richards lost a linemate that he’d been working really well with as Kris Versteeg went down with a hand injury, but he looked right at home on Sunday night. He ended up with a goal and an assist in the game, but it was the manner in which he scored that was most crucial.
Late in the game, the Blackhawks found themselves trailing 4-3 to the Stars. On a rush into the offensive zone, Kari Lehtonen made an initial save and the puck skipped toward the corner. Richards quickly went in after it, corralled it, and fired it back toward the front of the net. Instead of bouncing off Lehtonen again and coming out for a rebound attempt for Marian Hossa, the puck slid between the goaltender’s pads and into the net to tie the game at 4-4.
While the play looked like a fluke, it was yet another example of why Joel Quenneville constantly preaches to his players about the importance of getting pucks on net. You never know what will happen when you just fire the puck toward the net, and Richards made his own luck in tying the game.
Toews gets plenty of credit as one of the top two-way players in the NHL, and on Sunday night he added another highlight to his already huge portfolio.
Early in the first period, the Stars had seized a 1-0 lead, but the Blackhawks got a great possession out of the first line and were threatening. After Brandon Saad made a nice play to feed the puck over to the point, Brent Seabrook uncorked a slap shot, and Lehtonen steered it away into the corner.
Dallas forward Ales Hemsky dropped below the goal line to play the puck, but Toews had other ideas.
The center lifted Hemsky’s stick away from the puck, and with that deft move, the Hawks captain curled back out toward the action in the middle of the ice. Eventually, he found an open lane and feathered a gorgeous pass to a streaking Saad, who deposited the shot into the back of the net to tie things up at 1-1.
While Saad’s smart pinch and Seabrook’s slap shot certainly deserve credit, it was Toews that had the biggest impact on the goal. His continuous defensive pressure makes the other team crazy during games, and he showed off his skills at a critical time in this one.
First Star: Patrick Sharp
Sharp was arguably the Hawks’ best player during their Winter Classic loss, scoring a goal and tallying 10 shots on net during the game. On Sunday night, Sharp took advantage of that momentum, as well as a promotion to the second line, to put up a goal and an assist in the victory.
Both of his points came as a result of intelligence and his nose for offense. On his assist, Sharp burst into the offensive zone on a 2-on-1 with Patrick Kane, and after Jason Demers collapsed in on him, Sharp sent a saucer pass cross-ice. Kane took that pass and buried it to tie the game back up at 2-2.
Sharp’s goal in the overtime period was equally impressive. Duncan Keith made an excellent play to draw defenders toward him to get the play started, and Sharp saw the opening generated and made a break for the front of the net. Keith slapped a pass to Sharp, and the winger did the rest as he deked and flipped a shot past Lehtonen to give the Blackhawks the win.
While Keith’s movement with the puck set up the lane, it was Sharp that saw it and took advantage. Some players lack the feel for when a play is developing, but the veteran forward isn’t one of those guys. He senses opportunities to make plays through open lanes on the ice, and this time he was able to cash in and give the Hawks the much-needed second point in the standings.
David J. Phillip/AP
Washington Nationals' Yan Gomes and Daniel Hudson celebrate after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Manager Dave Martinez #4 of the Washington Nationals hoists the Commissioners Trophy after defeating the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game Seven to win the 2019 World Series in Game Seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on Oct. 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas.
Lee Jin-man/AP
Tiger Woods hits a shot out of a bunker on the 18th hole during the final round of the Zozo Championship PGA Tour at the Accordia Golf Narashino country club in Inzai, Japan, Monday, Oct. 28, 2019. Woods won his 82nd career PGA Tour title, matching a 54-year-old record held by Sam Snead.
Serhat Cagdas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Allyson Felix competes in 4x400 metres mixed relay race final during the 17th World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar on Sept. 29, 2019.
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
DOHA, QATAR - SEPTEMBER 29: Allyson Felix of the United States reacts after setting a new world record in the 4x400 Metres Mixed Relay during day three of 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa International Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Michael Steele/Getty Images
Wilbert London, Michael Cherry, Courtney Okolo and Allyson Felix of the United States pose after setting a new world record in the 4x400 Metres Mixed Relay during day three of 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa International Stadium on Sept. 29, 2019, in Doha, Qatar.
DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal of Spain kisses the trophy after his win over Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the men's Singles Finals match at the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on Sept. 8, 2019.
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
Bianca Andreescu of Canada celebrates with the championship trophy alongside runner up Serena Williams of the United States during the trophy presentation ceremony after the Women's Singles final on day thirteen of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 7, 2019, in the Queens borough of New York City.
Adam Hunger/AP
Serena Williams returns a shot to Elina Svitolina, of Ukraine, during the semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sept. 5, 2019, in New York. Williams beat out Svitolina to advance to the finals - her fourth out of six past tournaments.
Adam Hunger/AP
Coco Gauff wipes away tears while talking to Naomi Osaka, of Japan, after Osaka defeated Gauff during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in New York.
Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Coco Gauff of the United States in action against Timea Babos of Hungary in the Women's Singles Round Two match on Louis Armstrong Stadium at the 2019 US Open Tennis Tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29th, 2019 in Flushing, Queens, New York City.
Getty Images
Serena Williams hits a backhand against Maria Sharapova of Russia in the first round of the U.S. Open in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Aug. 26, 2019 in New York City. Williams played a 6-1, 6-1 game against Sharapova for their first match at the Open.
Getty Images
Serena Williams shakes hands with Maria Sharapova of Russia after beating her in the first round of the U.S. Open in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Aug. 26, 2019 in New York City. Williams played a 6-1, 6-1 game against Sharapova for their first match at the Open.
Getty Images
Roger Federer celebrates his victory over Sumit Nagal of India in the first round of the U.S. Open in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Aug. 26, 2019 in New York City.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
President Donald Trump presents the Medal of Freedom to retired Boston Celtic Bob Cousy in the Oval Office at the White House on Aug. 22, 2019 in Washington, DC. Mr. Cousy is credited helping the Boston Celtics win six National championships.
Simone Biles competes on the balance beam during the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships Aug. 9, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. The Olympic gold medalist snagged her sixth U.S. women's gymnastics title, cinching top points on the floor, vault and balance beam for a weekend total of 118.500 points before capping it off with a historic triple-double flip.
AP/Wilfredo Lee
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jermaine Grace (53) runs after intercepting a pass thrown by Miami Dolphins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Caeleb Dressel of the United States celebrates as he sets a new world record of 49.50 seconds after competing in the Men's 100m Butterfly Semifinal on day six of the Gwangju 2019 FINA World Championships at Nambu International Aquatics Centre on July 26, 2019 in Gwangju, South Korea.
Simone Biles performs her balance beam routine during the GK US Classic gymnastics meet in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, July 20, 2019.
Richard Heathcote/R&A via Getty
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the sixth tee during the first round of the 148th Open Championship held on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 18, 2019 in Portrush, United Kingdom.
Ray Tang/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic of Serbia wins the men's singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland (not seen) at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2019 held on Day 13 held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 14, 2019 in London.
Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Simona Halep of Romania with the trophy after her victory against Serena Williams of the United States during the Ladies Singles Final on Centre Court during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 13, 2019 in London.
Carli Lloyd, center, and members of the U.S. women's national soccer team accept the award for best team at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Getty Images
Host Tracy Morgan speaks onstage during The 2019 ESPYs at Microsoft Theater on July 10, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
Getty Images
(L-R) Odell Beckham Jr. and Gabrielle Union speak onstage during The 2019 ESPYs at Microsoft Theater on July 10, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.
Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images
General view of Progressive Field during the pregame ceremony prior to 90th MLB All-Star Game at Progressive Field on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images
J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox runs during the second inning of the 2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Progressive Field on July 9, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio.
AP
United States' Megan Rapinoe, center, holds the trophy as she celebrates with teammates after they defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in the Women's World Cup final soccer match at the Stade de Lyon in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Sunday, July 7, 2019.
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Amanda Nunes of Brazil knocks out Holly Holm of the United States during their UFC Womenu2019s Bantamweight Title bout at T-Mobile Arena on July 06, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Andy Murray of Great Britain and Serena Williams of The United States celebrate during their Mixed Doubles first round match against Andreas Mies of Germany and Alexa Guarachi of Chile during day six of The Championships - Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 6, 2019, in London.
Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images
Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes dished out some serious PDA courtside at a basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 11, 2019. The two are known for club hit "Señorita" as well as burgeoning relationship rumors stemming from the collaboration.
Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images
The two were caught locking lips throughout the game.
Gotham/GC Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, watches the Women's Singles final match between Serena Williams of the United States and Bianca Andreescu of Canada at the 2019 US Open, Sept. 7, 2019, New York. The Duchess of Sussex was there to cheer on her friend in her first solo trip abroad since she gave birth to her son, Archie.
Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
From left: Alexis Ohanian; Serena Williams' mother, Oracene Price; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; coach Patrick Mouratoglou; publicist Jill Smoller; sisters Isha Price and Venus Williams; and Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue, all react as they watch Serena Williams face off against Bianca Andreescu of Canada during the Women's Singles final at the 2019 US Open on Sept. 7, 2019.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Anna Wintour, left, watches the Women's Singles final match between Serena Williams of the United States and Bianca Andreescu of Canada at the 2019 US Open, Sept. 7, 2019, New York. The Duchess of Sussex was there to cheer on her friend in her first solo trip abroad since she gave birth to her son, Archie.
Mark Brown/Getty Images
Gabrielle Union celebrates Dwyane Wade's three-point shot next to Chrissy Teigen and John Legend in the final regular season home game against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Arena on April 9, 2019, in Miami, Florida. It was Wade's last home game before his retirement.
James Devaney/Getty Images
From left: Nathan Stewart, John Stewart, Pete Davidson and John Mulaney attend Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Monday, April 1, 2019.
Lance King/Getty Images
Former President Barack Obama attends a college basketball game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019.
Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban arrive ahead of the Women's Semi Final match between Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Danielle Collins of the United States at the 2019 Australian Open, Jan. 24, 2019, in Melbourne, Australia.
Chris Trotman/Getty Images
Joe Jonas kisses fiancée Sophie Turner's hand during the ladies singles third round match between Venus Williams and Serena Williams on August 31, 2018, in Queens, New York.
Karwai Tang/WireImage
John Vosler, Emma Watson and Luke Evans attend the men's single final on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 15, 2018, in London, England.
Karwai Tang/WireImage
Hannah Bagshawe, Eddie Redmayne and Benedict Cumberbatch attend the men's single final on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 15, 2018, in London, England.
Karwai Tang/WireImage
Kate Winslet and Ned Rocknroll react during the men's singles final on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 15, 2018, in London, England.
Karwai Tang/WireImage
Alexis Ohanian, Lewis Hamilton and Anna Wintour attend day twelve of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 14, 2018, in London, England.
Karwai Tang/WireImage
Emma Watson attends day twelve of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 14, 2018, in London, England.
Drew Hallowell/Getty Images
Joel Embiid (21) of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with rapper Meek Mill after the playoff game against the Miami Heat at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center on April 24, 2018. The 76ers won 104-91.
Getty Images
Singer-songwriter John Legend attends game two of the 2017 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Christian Petersen/Getty
Actor Jason Bateman attends game two of the 2017 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
AP
Patrick Warburton, the actor who played David Puddy on "Seinfeld" and wore makeup supporting the New Jersey Devils during an episode of the show, gestures at the end of Game 4 of an NHL first-round hockey playoff series between the Devils and the Tampa Bay Lightning, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Newark, N.J. The Lightning won 3-1. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
David J. Phillip/AP
Houston Astros owner Jim Crane sits with Payton Manning during the second inning of Game 2 of baseball's World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oct. 25, 2017, in Los Angeles.
MLB Photos via Getty Images
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is seen during Game 1 of the 2017 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
MLB Photos via Getty Images
(L-R) Actors Ken Jeong, Rob Lowe and George Lopez attend Game 1 of the 2017 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Singer-songwriter Lady Gaga attend game one of the 2017 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, California.
Getty Images
NBA legend and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., at Game 1 of the 2017 World Series against the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium on October 24, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Getty Images
Actor Rob Lowe at one of the 2017 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 24, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Actress Jennifer Lopez and former MLB player Alex Rodriguez attend the super welterweight boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor on Aug. 26, 2017, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
AP Photo/Isaac Brekken
LeBron James waits for a super welterweight boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Las Vegas. Former boxer Mike Tyson sits behind James.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Former boxer Mike Tyson attends the super welterweight boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor on Aug. 26, 2017, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Showtime
Actors Jamie Foxx, Don Cheadle, recording artist Chance the Rapper and actor William H. Macy attend the Showtime, WME IME and Mayweather Promotions VIP Pre-Fight party for Mayweather vs. McGregor at T-Mobile Arena on Aug. 26, 2017, in Las Vegas.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Actor Chris Hemsworth attends the super welterweight boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor on Aug. 26, 2017, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Actress Charlize Theron attends the super welterweight boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor on Aug. 26, 2017, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Jack Osbourne attend the super welterweight boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor on Aug. 26, 2017, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
AP
Britain's Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, sit in the Royal Box for the Men's Singles final match between Switzerland’s Roger Federer and Croatia’s Marin Cilic on day thirteen at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London Sunday, July 16, 2017.
AP
Actor Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah, left, and Actor Hugh Grant and Anna Eberstein watch the Mixed Doubles final match on day thirteen at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London Sunday, July 16, 2017.
Karwai Tang/WireImage
Carole Middleton, her son James Middleton and Bradley Cooper (front) react as they attend day 11 of Wimbledon 2017 on July 14, 2017 in London, England.
