RECAP: Blackhawks 3, Avalanche 2 OT

RAPID REACTION:Patrick Kane scored the overtime winner in a two-goal, three-point performance as the Blackhawks beat the Avalanche 3-2 on Saturday night in Denver.
The Blackhawks got off to another fast start, as Kane found Alex DeBrincat with a beautiful turnaround pass to set up DeBrincat's 18th goal of the season. Dylan Strome picked up a secondary assist on the tally,
Kane would take matters into his own hands just a few minutes later on the power play, capitalizing on a beautiful passing sequence from Strome and Artem Anisimov to score on an odd-man rush for the Blackhawks.
After going up 2-0 midway throught the first, the Blackhawks lead evaporated thanks to goals from Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon. Colorado swung momentum in the third when they held off a two-man Blackhawks advantage to keep things deadlocked 2-2 in the final frame.

But after Connor Murphy drew a double minor in the final minutes, the Blackhawks would take a man advantage into the extra frame. A phenomenal assist from Jonathan Toews set up Kane for the game-winner, as #88 gave the Blackhawks a win to close 2018.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:Following his two-goal performance on Saturday night, Patrick Kane has now scored seven goals in his last five games. The Blackhawks are 4-1 over that stretch.
STAT OF THE NIGHT:After Saturday night's OT win against Colorado, the Blackhawks have closed 2018 by picking up 10 points in their last six games, the team's best six-game run of the 2018-19 season.
TALKING POINTS:
"Our first period was really good. Loved a lot of things that we did, little bit dissapointing not to get out of the period 2-0, but very good...credit to the guys how hard they played, loved our start and another big one." - Jeremy Colliton on starting fast against Colorado
"I think our line's been playing pretty well lately and it's fun to play with those guys. Those guys are looking to make plays and they're patient with the puck. I still think there's another level for us to get to as far as puck possesion and being in the offensive end but it's been fun playing with those guys." - Kane on his performance against the Avalanche
WHAT'S NEXT:The Blackhawks play the Boston Bruins outdoors at the 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium. The game is at 12 p.m. CT on Tuesday and can be seen on NBC or heard on WGN 720. For more information and coverage, click HERE.