CHICAGO _ The Blackhawks relinquished a two-goal lead, but held on for a 4-2 victory over the Canucks.
Jonathan Toews broke a 2-2 tie when he converted a goal 18 minutes, 42 seconds into the third period. It was one of four points Toews had on the night he assisted on the other three goals. Marian Hossa added an empty netter for the final margin.
Corey Crawford was back in net for the Hawks despite Crawford's struggles of late and Scott Darling recording a shutout in his last start against the Bruins.
The Hawks gave Crawford a lot of help early, as they struck twice in the first period. The first goal came from Richard Panik, who scored on a one-timer from the high slot off a feed from Brian Campbell at 14:27. Panik's shot danced along the goal line and deflected off the post before going in for his 11th goal of the season. The assist was also Campbell's 500th point of his career.
Not long after, Patrick Kane sniped home a wrist shot from the right circle at 17:30 after Toews helped keep the puck alive near the net. It was Toews' second assist of the night and Kane's 15th goal of the season.
The Hawks put some pressure in the second on Crawford, who helped the Hawks kill two penalties. The Hawks had just four shots on goal for the period but preserved their 2-0 lead.
But the Canucks finally capitalized on a power play following a Michal Kempny penalty early in the third period when a Troy Stecher shot from the point beat Crawford at 5:03. Kempny's nightmarish third period continued 46 seconds later when Bo Horvat tied the score by maneuvering around Kempny and putting in his own rebound.
Crawford was back in net after he allowed three or more goals in six of his last seven starts. Quenneville said he considered starting Darling.
"It was definitely something we wanted to think about," Quenneville said. "At the same time we want 'Crow' playing as much as he can to get back to the great pace he had prior to being away."
The Hawks got some good news on the injury front Sunday as Marcus Kruger practiced for the first time since he suffered a hand injury against the Hurricanes on Dec. 30. Kruger could return to the lineup as early as Tuesday.
"You don't want to miss games," Kruger said. "You want to get back as quick as you can. When you're injured you can't really do much about it until you're ready and prepare the way you can."
