Blackhawks Rally For Win Over Rangers, NHL Scores

The Chicago Blackhawks are heading to the White House to celebrate their third Stanley Cup in six years, and they are bringing along a Russian rookie who could help them win another championship.

Artemi Panarin scored his first hat trick and the Blackhawks rallied to beat the New York Rangers 5-3 on Wednesday night after blowing a two-goal lead.

"He's been great for us," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said of the 24-year-old sensation who was signed as an undrafted free agent over the summer. "The consistency, the contribution to that line, the power play, the puck possession game, the offense from Day 1. He's been fun to watch. He's enjoying himself here."

Panarin played last season in the KHL for Saint Petersburg and wasn't a part of the Blackhawks' Cup winner.

However, he will be with the team Thursday morning when it visits with President Barack Obama at the White House.

"I'm sure that the guys that are on the team now that have been a part of it before will enjoy it, and the guys who weren't here will try to do it again this year and be back again," said Patrick Kane, who set up Panarin's winner with 3 minutes to play.

The Rangers were not happy with the penalty on defenseman Keith Yandle for holding Jonathan Toews behind the net with 3:30 to play. They were miffed even more 30 seconds later when Kane found Panarin coming down the middle for a slam dunk against Henrik Lundqvist in close.

Wednesday, February 17 Scoreboard

Chicago 5, NY Rangers 3

Colorado 3, Montreal 2

Minnesota 5, Calgary 3

Thursday, February 18 Schedule (All Times Central)

Washington at NY Islanders, 6 p.m.

Detroit at Pittsburgh, 6 p.m.

NY Rangers at Toronto, 6:30 p.m.

Carolina at Ottawa, 6:30 p.m.

Winnipeg at Tampa Bay, 6:30 p.m.

San Jose at Florida, 6:30 p.m.

Los Angeles at St. Louis, 7 p.m.

Boston at Nashville, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Edmonton, 8 p.m.

Dallas at Arizona, 8 p.m.

Anaheim at Vancouver, 9 p.m.