Blackhawks leave Sharks sinking in 5-4 victory

The Chicago Blackhawks may not end up in this season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, but they were a nemesis for one of its future participants on Thursday night, defeating the San Jose Sharks 5-4.

After failing to score more than two goals in the last six games, the Blackhawks opened this game with three goals in the first 11 minutes. Alex DeBrincat opened the scoring with a power play goal just four minutes into the game.

Connor Murphy doubled the Hawks’ advantage a few minutes later when his one-timer from the point redirected off a San Jose defender and past goaltender Martin Jones:

Jonathan Toews pounced on a rebound and buried it past Jones for a 3-0 Chicago lead:

Lukas Radil scored one minute…