Blackhawks have incredible record when leading after 2 periods

Blackhawks have an unbelievable record when leading after 2 periods

By Rob Ogden

Screen_Shot_2016_01_05_at_10.55.16_PM.jpg — JANUARY 5: The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game at Consol Energy Center on January 5, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Matt Kincaid/Getty Images)

Chicago’s greatest strength may be its ability to close.

Following Tuesday night’s 3-2 overtime win in Pittsburgh, the Blackhawks moved to 50-0-1 since the start of the 2014-2015 season in games in which they led after two periods.

#Blackhawks are now 50-0-1 when leading after two periods since the start of the 2014-15 season, including playoffs.
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) January 6, 2016

The fact that the stat includes postseason games makes it even more impressive. The streak is in part thanks to goaltender Corey Crawford, who allowed just 33 third-period goals last season. That’s compared to 50 goals in the first period and 40 in the second.

Similarily, some of Chicago’s top scorers have saved their best for last. Captain Jonathan Toews has scored four of his 14 goals this season in overtime. Patrick Kane has scored seven third-period goals this season, and Artem Anisimov six.

Artemi Panarin was the hero Tuesday as he ripped a top-shelf goal past Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury to give Chicago the win 3:47 into overtime.

[nicelink url=”http://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks-hockey/7/71/1229334/watch-artemi-panarin-goes-top-shelf-overtime-winner”]

The Blackhawks and Penguins will meet again Wednesday in Chicago.

Stats via NHL

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