CHICAGO, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Brandon Saad's shorthanded goal early in the third period Friday gave Chicago a 2-1 win over San Jose and put the Blackhawks into the NHL record book.
Chicago became the first team in league history to produce at least one point in 17 consecutive games to open a season.
The Blackhawks have won four in a row and their only three losses this season have all come in overtime. Their 31 points are six more than any other team in the NHL has accumulated.
San Jose took the lead when Patrick Marleau scored with 15 seconds left in the opening period. It was his 11th goal of the season, one off the league lead.
Chicago tied it late in the second period on a goal from Viktor Stalberg and Saad put Chicago in front 2:24 into the third while teammate Brent Seabrook was in the penalty box for tripping.
The win went to Ray Emery, who stopped 26 shots. Antti Niemi made 32 saves for the Sharks.
At 14-0-3, Chicago has moved past the 16-game point run to start the season established by Anaheim in the 2006-07 campaign.