Fleischmann Nets A 3rd Period Hat Trick In A 4-3 Win Over Chicago

Added on Dec 16, 2010 by J Merrill in

NHL

Tomas Fleischmann still felt the Colorado Avalanche were going to beat the Blackhawks going into the third period, and he made certain of it by scoring three times to give Colorado the 4-3 win over Chicago. Fleischmann scored back-to-back power-play goals in the third period and added another tally to complete his first NHL hat trick. A four-minute penalty to Chicago’s Jordan Hendry led to Tomas’ goals scoring late in both segments of the power play. Eight minutes later he found the twine for his third.

It was Fleischmann on Monday who sparked a remarkable late 7-5 comeback win against the Hawks by scoring the game-tying goal and setting up the winner. This time, he helped Colorado take advantage of a double minor high-sticking call. Fleischmann said after the game, “Four minutes, you wish you can score one goal. When we got the first one in the first two minutes, you just push for a second one. It went in, too. It was probably the key point of the game.” He continued “”It’s only my third game against them, and the last game I showed up just for the last 2:00. It’s tough to say. It was just one of those nights where everything was going our way, especially on the power play in the third period. I’m happy we won the game. That’s all that matters.” The second one turned out to be more then an insurance goal when Blackhawk Troy Brouwer scored with 1.1 left.

Colorado coach Joe Sacco feels Tomas does his best when he is playing with solid players, and he thinks they found a solid combination. Playing on a line with center Matt Duchene and forward Ryan Jones, Fleischmann has 5 goals and 10 points in seven games with the Avs. Sacco said “I think he is the type of player that needs to play with skilled players. It’s a fresh start for him, a start over, and things are going well for him right now. We’re trying to put him in a position where he can succeed.” He concluded “Those two power-play goals were the difference in the game. You need your power-play to step up when you have an opportunity like we did.”

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville didn’t like the call on Hendry, even after seeing the replay after the game, but felt its still their job to get out of the hole. He said “They scored late in both penalties and I didn’t see the play. I just looked at the replay and I totally disagree with the call, but we’ve still got to get through that.”

Some good news is coming soon for Chicago as Patrick Kane practiced Wednesday and said he might play Friday against the Detroit Red Wings. He sprained his left ankle on Dec. 7 and was expected to be out for up to three weeks but has missed only four games. Still no return date for Marian Hossa though.

Both teams will be back in action on Friday night on their home ice. The Colorado Avalanche (17-10-4,38pts), who are 1st in Northwest Division, will face The Ottawa Senators (13-16-3, 29pts.) The Chicago Blackhawks (16-14-3,35pts), who are 3rd in Central Division, will face Detroit (20-7-3, 43pts) who are currently 1st in the Central Division.