(MENAFN- Kora) The Blackhawks had lost their first game back following the NHL's break for the Winter Olympics, 2-1 to the New York Rangers, but the reigning Stanley Cup champions bounced back on Saturday with a comprehensive win outdoors
In the driving snow at the home of the NFL's Chicago Bears, the Blackhawks handled the conditions much better with Jonathan Toews scoring twice, while Patrick Sharp struck once and set up another goal
Toews also picked up an assist as Chicago moved two points clear of the St Louis Blues in the Western Conference's Central division
The Blackhawks scored the opening three goals of the game to lead 3-0 with a period to play and while James Neal struck in the seventh minute of the final stanza, goals to Bryan Bickell and Toews ensured the home side triumphed
Chicago have 86 points from 62 games this season, while St Louis have 84 from 59
The Colorado Avalanche sit third in the Central standings on 81 points
In New York, the New Jersey Devils thumped the home-town Islanders 6-1 with Czech veteran Jaromir Jagr scoring his 700th NHL goal
Jagr struck in the fourth minute of the second period to give the visitors a two-goal lead, while Ryane Clowe was critical to the Devils' victory, scoring once and setting up another goal
The Columbus Blue Jackets outgunned the Florida Panthers 6-3, while Max Pacioretty scored the decisive goal in the Montreal Canadiens' 4-3 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs
It was Pacioretty's second goal of the game as Montreal had led 2-0 only to trail 3-2 before PK Subban had scored for the Canadiens to force overtime
In Boston, the Washington Capitals stunned the Bruins 4-2, while the Calgary Flames overcame the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in overtime, the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the New York Rangers 4-2 and the Los Angeles Kings won 3-1 against the Carolina Hurricanes
In other results, the Tampa Bay Lightning accounted for the Dallas Stars 4-2 and the Winnipeg Jets claimed a 3-1 win over the Nashville Predators
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