Blackhawks' Hossa Reaches 500 Goals, Blues Lose

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Published on October 19 2016 6:39 am
Last Updated on October 19 2016 6:40 am

By ESPN

Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa became the 44th NHL player to reach 500 career goals in Tuesday night's 7-4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

"Obviously, doing it at home in front of our fans, in Game 4 [of the season], I couldn't be happier," Hossa said. "Especially, you know, the guys ended up winning this game; it feels great."

Hossa, 37, slid a power-play backhander through the legs of Philadelphia goaltender Michal Neuvirth at 5:04 of the second period, giving the Blackhawks a 4-0 lead. He then skated behind the net and threw his arms in the air before skating over to Chicago's bench, where he was greeted with smiles, handshakes and hugs.

"It's a tremendous accomplishment, tremendous career," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. "He's got some offensive numbers that really are great to look at. The best part of his game is the consistency of being a pro, night in and night out, being responsible on both sides of the puck, plays hard every single game and night. It's a good example for our young guys learning how to play the right way. It's nice to see him make that accomplishment tonight."

The crowd of 21,263 at the United Center roared when the milestone goal was announced, and Hossa waved his stick to acknowledge the standing ovation.

"What an amazing moment that was," Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane said. "You could tell he was excited. The crowd was excited. Pretty cool celebration with him coming over to the bench and getting everyone involved too."

Hossa left in the third period after blocking a shot. He said after the game he would know more on Wednesday about an injury he sustained. After picking up an assist in each of Chicago's first three games, he was happy to get goal No. 500 out of the way.

Hossa, who signed a 12-year, $62.8 million contract with Chicago in July 2009, is beginning his eighth season with the Blackhawks. The rugged winger, long one of the NHL's best two-way players, helped the Blackhawks to Stanley Cup titles in 2010, 2013 and 2015.


Canucks 2, Blues 1

Canucks coach Willie Desjardins knows this formula for success can't be sustained. It's making a fun little ride, though.

Henrik Sedin scored 1:40 into overtime after Bo Horvat tied it late in the third period, lifting Vancouver over the St. Louis Blues 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Horvat scored with 2:55 left in regulation, helping Vancouver to its third consecutive comeback win to start the season. Jacob Markstrom made 23 saves.

"We can't keep playing that way," said Desjardins. "We are not going to keep winning if we're behind."

Vladimir Tarasenko scored in the second period for St. Louis, and Jake Allen had 24 stops.

The winner came after Markstrom made a nice glove save in the extra period and played the puck to keep the play moving. Christopher Tanev worked a nice give-and-go with Daniel Sedin, and then Tanev took a light shot that Henrik Sedin re-directed in for his first of the season.

The Canucks trailed both of their previous games heading into the third. Horvat's goal snapped a streak of 177 minutes, 34 seconds of shutout hockey by St. Louis against Vancouver dating to 2015-16.

"I thought we played a good game, though," said Desjardins, whose club won just three times when down after 40 minutes in 2015-16.

"The whole game we played well and we generated stuff and just didn't score. We believed if we stayed with it something would go in and it finally did, and overtime can always go either way."


Tuesday, October 18 Scoreboard

New Jersey 2, Anaheim 1

San Jose 3, NY Islanders 2

Washington 3, Colorado 0

Montreal 4, Pittsburgh 0

Ottawa 7, Arizona 4

Tampa Bay 4, Florida 3 (SO)

Dallas 2, Nashville 1

Minnesota 6, Los Angeles 3

Chicago 7, Philadelphia 4

Calgary 4, Buffalo 3 (OT)

Edmonton 3, Carolina 2

Vancouver 2, St. Louis 1 (OT)

 

Wednesday, October 19 Schedule (All Times Central)

Detroit at NY Rangers, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Winnipeg, 7 p.m.