THREE THINGS: The numbers behind the start

If you're still buzzing off that 7-6 overtime performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs, you're probably not alone. Although the Blackhawks lost the game, they managed to salvage a point by forcing overtime in dramatic - and historic - fashion. Through the first three games of the season, there have been some interesting numbers and developments. Here are three of them.

1. KANE MAKES HISTORY

Patrick Kane is no stranger to feats of heroism or pure magic on the ice. On Sunday evening he did it again, scoring at 18:36 of the third period to tie the game at 5-5. The Blackhawks suffered a setback in the form of an Auston Matthews dagger of a goal just 22 seconds later.

Matthews even celebrated the goal with the old "I can't hear you" gesture toward the United Center crowd.
"Showtime" responded the only way he could by scoring a second equalizer with less than 29 seconds left on the game clock. He then used the same celebration in response to Matthews. That kind of show of personality on both ends of the ice is fun, especially in a wildly entertaining back-and-forth offensive slugfest.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, Kane became the first player in NHL history to score two game-tying goals in the final 90 seconds of regulation.

2. TOEWS' CAREER BEST START

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews' stats through the opening three games of the season are impressive as is. Five goals and an assist put him tied with Kane for the team scoring lead.
You could say he's off to a hot start, but the more accurate statement would be that he's off to the hottest start of his career.
Take a look back at all of the opening three games of his 12-year career and you'd find he's never had more than two goals or four total points to start a season - both happening last year. There are 10 games left this month.
Here are his career season starts:
2007-08:
First three games: 1G, 2A, 3P
First month: 5G, 5A, 10P
2008-09:
First three games: 0G, 1A, 1P
First month: 0G, 6A, 6P
2009-10:
First three games: 0G, 0A, 0P
First month: 1G, 4A, 5P
2010-11:
First three games: 0G, 1A, 1P
First month: 3G, 6A, 9P
2011-12:
First three games: 1G, 1A, 2P
First month: 4G, 3A, 7A
2012-13:
First three games: 1G, 2A, 3P
First month: 4G, 3A, 7P
2013-14:
First three games: 1G, 2A, 3P
First month: 7G, 6A, 13P
2014-15:
First three games: 0G, 3A, 3P
First month: 4G, 4A, 8P

2015-16:
First three games: 0G, 2A, 2P
First month: 4G, 3A, 7P
2016-17:
First three games: 0G, 1A, 1P
First month: 1G, 4A, 5P
2017-18:
First three games: 2G, 2A, 4P
First month: 3G, 5A, 8P

3. ROOKIES SCORING

It's been a good start to the season for two first-year NHLers. Rookie forward Dominik Kahun registered his first two NHL points on Sunday night, with two assists.

Henri Jokiharju is playing big minutes for the Blackhawks, increasing his ice time each game this season. He logged more than 20 for the first time in his NHL career on Sunday against Toronto. Jokiharju also has five assists through three games, which paces the team in that category and places him third in overall scoring. He has the third most shots on goal with 10. You'd have to think another career first - his first goal - is on the horizon.