Chicago Blackhawks beat defending Stanley Cup Champions 5-1

Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) stops a shot by Chicago Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews (19) in the first period.

Artemi Panarin and Richard Panik started a four-goal first period for Chicago. Marcus Kruger and Marian Hossa also scored during the first period as the Blackhawks moved nine points clear of second-place Minnesota with five games left in the regular season. Tanner Nero also added a breakaway goal in the third. Even Patrick Kane picked up two assists to move past Sidney Crosby and into second place in the NHL scoring race.

The Blackhawks' domination had them feeling pretty good about themselves two weeks before the start of the playoffs.

"It was really good. It was a really good start," said Chicago goaltender Corey Crawford.

"I think it's good to know we can play like that," said Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane, "So, let's keep building. Let's try to get this momentum going into the playoffs where we're firing on all cylinders."

The Blackhawks (49-21-7) won a regulation game in Pittsburgh for the first time since Feb. 22, 1997. The Penguins had been 7-0-5 at home vs. Chicago in the interim.

The Penguins are now 0-2-2 in the past four games.

If the Hawks played like they did against the Penguins, the playoffs should be very successful. 

Highlights are viewable below courtesy of the NHL.