The Chicago Blackhawks made NHL history last night when they beat the San Jose Sharks 2-1.
The Blackhawks have now gone 17 games without a loss, setting the record for the best start in NHL history. According to ESPN , the Hawks, now 14-0-3, broke the record set by the Anaheim Ducks during the 2006-07 season.
Rookie Brandon Saad, who broke the 1-1 tie last night with a goal at the start of the third period, said:
“It’s nice to get another win and make history… Our group’s had a great year so far, so we never expect anything less. We’re celebrating the win now. I’m sure it will sink in a little bit more tomorrow, but it’s awesome to be part of history.”
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that the team should be proud, but not satisfied, with making NHL history.
Quenneville added:
“The guys should be proud of the achievement, the accomplishment. I just think we shouldn’t be happy with where we’re at. We just want to keep trying to get better.”
Now that the Hawks have set the greatest start in NHL history, the obvious expectation is for the team to win the Stanley Cup. ESPN notes that the Ducks, who went 16 games without a loss in 2007, ended up winning the Stanley Cup. The Oilers in ’85, and the Cannucks in ’44, who both went more than 14 games without a loss to start the season, also won the Stanley Cup.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is an NHL record! #Blackhawks beat San Jose, 2-1, their 17th straight without a loss in regulation!
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 23, 2013