Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp each scored in the shootout to lift the Blackhawks to a 3-2 win over the Panthers in Chicago. Toews and Kris Versteeg lit the lamp in regulation for the 'Hawks in the opener of the home-and-home series. Scott Darling made 34 saves for Chicago, which put the brakes on a three-game skid. Blackhawks star Patrick Kane left in the first period after being cross-checked. Jussi Jokinen and Vincent Trocheck each scored in the third period for the Panthers. Roberto Luongo turned aside 36 shots in the loss.
The Blackhawks play the Panthers again on Thursday night in Florida.
