Chicago
Alex DeBrincat, John Hayden and Jonathan Toews also scored for Chicago, which had dropped three of four. Duncan Keith had two assists and Corey Crawford made 25 saves, helping the Blackhawks bounce back from an ugly 7-5 loss to New Jersey on Sunday.
New York had won six in a row — the longest winning streak in the NHL this season — and it carried a 1-0 lead into the final minute of the second period. But the Blackhawks grabbed control with four goals in 6 minutes, 6 seconds, capped by Anisimov’s power-play slam through Henrik Lundqvist’s legs at 5:14 of the third.
Red Wings 8, Flames 2
Detroit
Gustav Nyquist, Dylan Larkin, Justin Abdelkader and Luke Glendening also scored for the Red Wings. They raced out to a 4-1 lead in the first period.
Micheal Ferland and Johnny Gaudreau scored for the Flames in the opener of a six-game trip.
Toronto’s Matthews May Return Tonight
Toronto
Matthews said he’s not quite 100 percent. “It’s always frustrating to miss games, it sucks watching,” Matthews said. “It feels boring when you can’t skate.”
Babcock saw some rust on the 20-year-old center at Mastercard Centre at the Leafs’ practice facility, but doesn’t have any reservations about putting Matthews in if he’s cleared to go.
“I saw today he was fine, but wasn’t like he normally is,” Babcock said. “Power, explosiveness, fitness. … Anyone knows you take too many days off in hockey and takes you a while to get it back. (But) he’s a good player and determined and I don’t think there’ll be any issues.”
Matthews has missed three games. He has 10 goals and nine assists in 16 games.
