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Toews helps Blackhawks start fast, hold off Kings

Mar 1, 2009 - 11:30 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Jonathan Toews got the Chicago Blackhawks off to a fast start en route to snapping a three-game losing streak.

The captain scored just 47 seconds into Sunday's game, helping the Blackhawks post a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

It was Chicago's first win against the Kings this season, having lost both previous matchups by identical 5-2 scores in Los Angeles.

"This is a big win for us," Toews said. "We put three periods together and were able to finish the game. It can be nerve-wracking when you only have a one-goal lead in the third period, so we can be happy how we finished."

Toews was coming off his first career hat trick on Saturday, when he scored three power-play goals during a 5-4 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

On Sunday, Toews scored his ninth goal of the past eight games with a deflection of defenseman Matt Walker's shot from the right point.

"I was shaking my head when that went in," Toews said. "Lately anything that hits my stick seems to go in. I have been able to take advantage of my chances."

Defenseman Duncan Keith added an unassisted goal less than six minutes later as Chicago doubled its advantage.

"Our goal was to come out quick and play a strong game," Keith said. "We did that, but then made some mistakes and let them back into the game. But overall, I thought we had a good start and deserved to win today."

The Kings, who have lost eight of their last 10 contests, pulled within a goal when defenseman Jack Johnson unleashed a blast past Antti Niemi on the power play at the 11:38 mark of the first period.

Making his first career start, Niemi made 22 saves.

Niemi made his NHL debut on Friday, relieving Cristobal Huet to start the third period of an overtime loss to Pittsburgh. Nikolai Khabibulin, who usually shares time with Huet, is on injured reserve.

"He was fine and I am glad to see him get a win in his first start," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "I am sure it was nerve-wracking for him, but he settled down as the game progressed."

Dustin Byfuglien gave the Blackhawks a two-goal lead once again with a slap shot past Jonathan Quick, but it was short-lived as Anze Kopitar tallied with 41 seconds left to make it 3-2 following the high-scoring first period.

"I thought we responded OK, just OK," Kings coach Terry Murray said. "We dug ourselves a hole

and there is a need for desperation in our schedule right now, and getting down like that makes it tough."

The game remained scoreless from there until Dave Bolland scored on the power play for Chicago with 43 seconds left in regulation.

"The good start certainly helped and it was what we were looking for," Quenneville said. "We had a two-goal lead but then the game got tight. But we stuck with what we had to do and it's a good two points."

Quick finished with 34 saves for the Kings.