Blue Jackets rally to defeat Blackhawks in overtime

COLUMBUS -- If the Chicago Blackhawks were ever going to squander a three-goal, first-period lead and lose in overtime, Saturday at Nationwide Arena was the time and place.
With third place in the Central Division already secured, the Blackhawks were defeated 5-4 by the Columbus Blue Jackets when Scott Hartnell scored his second of the game at 2:28 of overtime

The Blackhawks (47-26-9) will play the St. Louis Blues in the Western Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Despite the loss, Patrick Kane wrapped up the first Art Ross Trophy by an American-born player in style with two goals and an assist. Kane scored the first and fourth goals for Chicago and finished the season with NHL career-highs in goals (46), assists (60) and points (106).
"It's going to be a great series," Kane said. "They're a hard, physical team. For awhile here they've been trying to get over the hump. I know they have that in the back of their minds too. I know they have a lot of motivation to do that."
"He's been the best player in the League," Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford said. "Points-wise he's really shown it. He's been really smart, too, knowing when to take chances and when to be smart in the right areas. His game is evolving so much."

Hartnell, goalless in 15 games, scored twice and had two assists for Columbus (34-40-8). His first goal was the 300th of his NHL career; he scored the winner on a power play. Cam Atkinson took a shot from the right circle that deflected off Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook then hit Hartnell's body on the way into the goal.
"You want to end on a good note," Hartnell said. "The last four, five week we haven't played our best hockey but getting down and coming back, we showed a lot of character."
Artemi Panarin had two goals and an assist, and finished his rookie season with 30 goals and 77 points.

Panarin and linemate Kane drew praise from Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville after they gave Chicago an early lead.
"There were some wow factors tonight with {Panarin} and [Kane} that was fun to see," Quenneville said. "They finished the season on an amazing note. It's been a good watching these guys. Very remarkable years."
More important than the outcome was the return of Crawford after missing 11 games with an upper-body injury. He made 20 saves but was snakebitten by some unlucky plays, such as the overtime goal and Hartnell's first goal that came off of a shot that hit the glass behind the net and landed at the crease for an easy tap-in.
"It's hard coming in after missing some games," Crawford said. "That was a quick game. There were some good things I did out there and it was good to get into a game and see certain types of situations, get a feel for it going into the playoffs. I'm ready."

Quenneville is happy to have his veteran goalie back for the defense of the Stanley Cup.
"Getting that game for him under his belt was the best thing for him and us. It's a big step," Quenneville said.
Crawford was given a quick cushion.
Panarin assisted on Kane's goal nine seconds into the game and scored twice in the opening 14:06 to give Chicago a 3-0 lead on five shots.
"I didn't say a word to them after the first period," Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella said of his players. "Quite honestly I thought we had some good minutes in the first. They had some chances and they buried them. That's how good we they are.
"They handled themselves really good in the situation and had a really solid game after that."

Hartnell scored his 22nd at 6:31 of the second period and Matt Calvert scored his 11th at 12:55 with a backhander that went off the back of Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk.
Former Blackhawks forward Brandon Saad's 31st made it 3-3 at 17:00 of the second off of a pass to the slot by Alex Wennberg, who in addition to two assists, put Columbus ahead 4-3 at 3:09 of the third with his eighth goal.

The sellout crowd of 19,177 that was comprised by a majority of Chicago fans energized the building.
"It was unbelievable," Wennberg said. "The atmosphere was crazy. Tough start but we came back. It was a great way to end it."
Kane's shot from between the circles at 9:49 of the third tied the game at 4-4. It wasn't enough for Chicago but it didn't matter.