CHICAGO, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Niklas Hjalmarsson and Patrick Kane ignited Chicago with second-period goals Sunday and the Blackhawks went on to a 4-2 victory over Calgary.
Steve Montador's tally in the initial frame had given the Blackhawks an early 1-0 lead and Chicago broke the game open with goals from Hjalmarsson early in the second frame and from Kane late in the period.
Marian Hossa added a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks, who surged past Minnesota into the Western Conference lead and claimed the NHL's best record (21-8-4) with their fifth straight win.
Ray Emery improved to 9-1-2 on the season, turning aside 22-of-24 shots for Chicago.
Olli Jokinen and Curtis Glencross scored in the third period for Calgary. Miikka Kiprusoff made 21 saves for the Flames.
