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Blackhawks hold off Blue Jackets in preseason opener

Sep 19, 2007 - 2:13 AM By Dave Holstein PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- The Chicago Blackhawks used second-period goals by Troy Brouwer, Cam Barker and Rene Bourque to post a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in their preseason opener on Tuesday.

Columbus opened the scoring when left wing Jason Chimera beat Patrick Lalime close range at 6:44 of the first period. Columbus extended the lead to 2-0 with a 5-on-3 power play goal on a one timer from defenseman Kris Russell at 14:43 of the first period from between the faceoff circles.

The Blackhawks leveled the game at 2-2 in the second period on a pair of 5-on-3 power play-goals by Troy Brouwer and defenseman Cam Barker.

Brouwer scored on a play from behind the net that went off Columbus goaltender Fredrik Norrena at 5:27. Barker scored on a one-timer from high above the faceoff circles at 14:43. Chicago then took the lead as Bourque beat Norrena between his pads at 16:44 of the second period.

The Blackhawks added an insurance goal in the third when Jonathan Toews jammed the puck past Columbus goalie Steve Mason.

That goal proved to be important as the Blue Jackets pulled within 4-3 at the 17:33 mark as Rick Nash scored from the top of the crease on a 5-on-3 power play.

Chicago capitalized on three of their 11 power-play opportunities, while the Blue Jackets converted only two of 13 chances.

Columbus played without right wing David Vyborny, who suffered a sprained knee in the game on Sunday against Nashville. He is day-to-day but is not expected to miss much time.