April 04--Summary
Jonathan Toews scored two goals in 47 seconds late in the third period to lift the Blackhawks to a stirring 4-3 victory over the Sabres on Friday night at First Niagara Center. After coughing up an early two-goal lead to the team with the fewest points in the NHL, the Hawks earned their fourth consecutive win when Toews beat Sabres goaltender Anders Lindback with :56 remaining for his third game-winning goal in the last six days.
Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith also scored and Scott Darling earned the victory in goal for the Hawks. Marcus Foligno had two goals and Johan Larsson added another but the Sabres fell just short of the upset.
The winner
With the clock winding down and overtime apparently looming, Brandon Saad scooped up a loose puck and fed Toews with a nifty backhand pass and the captain rifled a wrist shot past Lindback to the glove side.
Tribune's Three Stars
1. Toews: Center notched his 27th and 28th goals of the season to lead the way.
2. Foligno: Sparked life into a Sabres team that was struggling with two goals.
3: Saad: Winger had two assists, including setting up Toews on the winner.
The quote
"'Kaner' wanted to skate and be back in Buffalo and enjoy the day. We don't usually do that but 'Kaner,' we brought him along because he wanted to come. (We said), 'OK, we'll bring you.' " -- Hawks coach Joel Quenneville on injured winger Patrick Kane traveling with the team to his hometown of Buffalo
Tough times
The Hawks announced that defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk, who was working his way back into shape after recovering from a knee injury, will undergo surgery on his right wrist Tuesday. The rookie was injured during a recent game with Rockford of the AHL.
Up next
Vs. Blues, 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the United Center, NBCSN
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