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NHL: Niemi shuts out Panthers as Blackhawks bounce back

Antti Niemi made 23 saves and the Chicago Blackhawks used three power-play goals to rout the Florida Panthers 4-0 on Saturday and split the season-opening double header in Finland.

Niemi, a Finnish goalkeeper who replaced Christobal Huet for Chicago after Friday’s opening shootout loss, pleased the crowd with his first NHL shutout in four starts.

“It was a good opportunity to play him in front of his own countrymen,” Chicago coach Joel Quennville said.

Brian Campbell scored the opener at 3 minutes, 5 seconds on a power play with a low shot from the point. Finnish defender Ville Koistinen, who scored the winning penalty for the Panthers on Friday, had drawn the penalty for a push in the back on Brent Sopel.

Florida turned up the pace in the second, but it was Chicago who made the most of their opportunities. Patrick Sharp fired a hard shot from the right and Patrick Kane beat defenseman Keith Ballard to the rebound to make it 2-0 on 5 minutes, 12 seconds.

Chicago rediscovered their rhythm after that goal, but couldn’t use an opportunity to play five-on-three for 55 seconds to increase their lead.

Sharp finally added the third, however, on another penalty just a minute before the interval. Kris Versteeg broke up a shorthanded attack by the Panthers and fed Sharp, who beat Florida goalkeeper Tomas Vokoun on the breakaway.

Dustin Byfuglien made it 4-0 on another power play in the third, after picking up a loose puck in the circle and beating Vokoun with a low shot.

Florida coach Peter LeBoer said his team was tired after Friday’s 4-3 win, but that he was pleased to at least leave Europe with a split series.

“A month ago I would have taken it, but after winning the last game you get greedy and want the four points,” he said.

Vokoun made 29 saves as Chicago outshot Florida 33 to 23.



Saturday’s other results:

• Penguins 4, Islanders 3, SO

• Blues 5, Red Wings 3

• Capitals 6, Maple Leafs 4

• Flyers 5, Devils 2

• Canadiens 2, Sabres 1, OT

• Bruins 7, Hurricanes 2

• Rangers 5, Senators 2

• Avalanche 3, Canucks 0

• Blue Jackets 2, Wild 1

• Thrashers 6, Lightning 3

• Predators 3, Stars 2, SO

• Sharks 4, Ducks 1

• Flames 4, Oilers 3

• Coyotes 6, Kings 3
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