The Washington Capitals got fat on garbage goals and ended the Blackhawks’ winning streak at three games in a 4-0 victory Sunday at the United Center.
Goaltender Olaf Kolzig’s 38 saves, relatively easy goals by Peter Bondra and Stephen Peat early in the second period and six unsuccessful Hawks power plays were the main ingredients in the Hawks’ loss to a team that is second to last in the Eastern Conference.
After dropping hints during the last two weeks that they might be ready to move up in the standings, the Hawks regressed and turned back into the team that has sunk to the bottom of the Western Conference.
Playing inspired defense, the Hawks beat the visiting Boston Bruins 2-1 in overtime on Saturday afternoon.
Coinciding with the end of the Hawks’ winning streak was the end of Hawks goalie Craig Anderson’s personal streak. After stopping 43, 25 and 31 shots in the victories, he had 29 saves in the loss.
Kolzig’s shutout was his second of the season and 33rd of his 529-game career. The 2000 Vezina Trophy winner has been talking to members of the media only on game days since his name was linked to trades beginning in December.
Twelve scouts attended the game, obviously checking out Kolzig, Hawks captain Alex Zhamnov and others. Zhamnov had three shots and 14 wins in 19 faceoffs.
Among the scouts: former Hawks general manager Bob Murray, now with Vancouver; former Hawks coach Dirk Graham, now with Tampa Bay; and Hawks coach Brian Sutter’s twin brothers Rich, who is with Minnesota, and Ron, who is with Calgary.
