Chicago Blackhawks

Three Stars: DeBrincat, Saad Lead Blackhawks to Win

The Chicago Blackhawks found themselves trailing early in Saturday’s game, but thanks to some perseverance and some great performances, they were able to notch a comeback 4-3 triumph over the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Blackhawks got the win thanks to Brandon Saad’s fifth game-winning goal of the season, and they got three points from Alex DeBrincat in the triumph.

Which one of them earned First Star honors? Here are the three players we chose as key to Chicago’s victory.

Third Star: Brandon Saad

Saad hadn’t scored a goal since Oct. 14 against Nashville, and just like he did in that game, Saad earned the game-winner with an overtime tally to lead the Blackhawks to victory.

Saad’s nose for the net was apparent on that goal, as he skated into an open area vacated by Hurricane defenders, and he got a great pass from Alex DeBrincat to earn the victory for his team.

Earlier in the game, Saad had been all over the ice, generating some great opportunities and even earning a penalty shot while the Blackhawks were shorthanded. He didn’t score on that play, but his aggressiveness was noticeable throughout, and he was a big part of the reason the Blackhawks were triumphant.

Second Star: Anton Forsberg

In the early stages of the game, Forsberg was struggling to find his form, and he was embarrassed badly on Carolina’s second goal, completely losing his net and leaving the far post way too open as the Canes scored and extended their early lead.

To his credit, Forsberg persevered even in the midst of a relentless attack by Carolina, ultimately stopping 35 shots in the game as he outdueled former Blackhawks backup Scott Darling and earned his first victory as a member of the Blackhawks.

First Star: Alex DeBrincat

It was an incredible night for DeBrincat, as he registered his first career two-goal game and added an assist in the Blackhawks’ victory.

The pass that netted DeBrincat the key assist was a thing of absolute perfection. On the rush in 3-on-3 overtime play, DeBrincat knew that he could draw defenders away from the play by cutting into the middle of the ice, and that’s precisely what he did.

With defenders off balance, DeBrincat left a perfect drop pass for Saad, who fired it home and led the Blackhawks to a critical road victory. 

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