Jonathan Toews scored a tie-breaking short- handed goal in the third period as the Chicago Blackhawks edged the Carolina Hurricanes, 3-2, at United Center.
Patrick Sharp and Kris Versteeg each had second-period goals for the Blackhawks, who played their first game without Patrick Kane. The star forward was placed on long-term injured reserve Friday with a lower-body ailment suffered in Wednesday's 4-0 victory over St. Louis. Kane is likely going to miss the remainder of the regular season.
Corey Crawford made 26 saves for Chicago, which closed to within four points of the Central Division-leading Blues.
Alexander Semin potted both Carolina goals, while Anton Khudobin stopped 22 shots in defeat.
The Hurricanes have dropped three of their last four games and remain nine points back in the race for the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot.
[SportsNetwork.com]
