CHICAGO _ After one period at the United Center on Wednesday, it was the Blackhawks almost 2 and the Senators 1.
After three periods and a five-minute overtime, the meeting of seventh-place teams ended in a 3-2 shootout victory by the Hawks, their second win in 11 games overall and second in their last 10 at home.
Nick Schmaltz's goal in the seventh round proved to be the winner for the Hawks in their second shootout of the season.
Replays of Brandon Saad's almost-goal with just under two minutes left in the first were met with disapproval from Hawks fans after defenseman Erik Karlsson swatted the puck away inches before it completely crossed the goal line.
Patrick Kane's shot earlier in the first did cross the line _ he made sure of it with an insurance swat after Vinnie Hinostroza's behind-the-back pass set him up. It was the 12th time in 16 games the Hawks had scored first. They were 3-6-2 in the previous 11 times that happened.
One minute, 37 seconds after Kane's team-leading 23rd goal, though, the Senators' Zack Smith tied it 1-all.
Kane's perfect pass found the stick of Artem Anisimov with 14:08 left in the second.
Six minutes later, the Senators answered with Matt Duchene's goal, which ricocheted off Jordan Oesterle, then off the crossbar and straight down behind Anton Forsberg.
Two Senators shots hit the post during the first 1:13 of overtime.
