Blackhawks set NHL record for best start to season

**pwaldo** · 02-23-2013, 02:24 PM

http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400442723

For 17 games, nobody has been able to beat the Chicago Blackhawks in regulation.

Now they own the best start in NHL history all by themselves.

The Blackhawks set an NHL record for the best start to a season, beating the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on Friday to give them at least one point in each of their first 17 games.

Rookie Brandon Saad's short-handed goal early in the third period -- and with 3 seconds left on a San Jose power play -- snapped a 1-all tie and stood up as the game winner. Chicago (14-0-3) won its fourth straight game to break a mark set by the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks, who earned points in their first 16 games.

The Blackhawks equaled that run Tuesday with a shootout win over Vancouver.

"It's nice to get another win and make history," the 20-year-old Saad said. "Our group's had a great year so far, so we never expect anything less.

"We're celebrating the win now. I'm sure it will sink in a little bit more tomorrow, but it's awesome to be part of history."

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville also reflected on the record, but not for long.

"The guys should be proud of the achievement, the accomplishment," he said. "I just think we shouldn't be happy with where we're at. We just want to keep trying to get better."

**zunato** · 02-23-2013, 06:31 PM

Hawks are on the top of their game right now. Even when they have played bad they are finding ways of at least getting a point.

I'm just worried that they might have peaked before getting to the playoffs.

Emery has been great so far.

**MatsSundin13Rocks** · 02-24-2013, 04:23 PM

As much as I hate the Hawks I have to congratulate them on their impressive record of points in 17 straight games to start the season. 14-0-3 in a league where parity is closer than ever due to the salary cap is a huge feat. Definitely the Stanley Cup favourites now.