Instant reaction: Jonathan Toews lifts Blackhawks past Blue Jackets in overtime

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FINAL SCORE:

Blackhawks 3, Blue Jackets 2 (OT)

Snap judgments:

—  The Blackhawks didn't play their best, but they'll take it. Jonathan Toews scored the overtime winner for his first goal of the season after the puck hit off his leg from a Patrick Kane shot.

— The Blue Jackets were the better team in the first period. They led in shot attempts (22-17), shots on goal (13-10), scoring chances at even strength (11-5) and high-danger chances at even strength (3-2), according to Natural Stat Trick. But it was the Blackhawks who left the opening frame with a 1-0 lead.

— The Blackhawks took some uncharacteristic penalties. Andrew Shaw committed two of them, the second of which came in the offensive zone when he was whistled for interference. And then Robin Lehner got penalized for tripping late in the second period. 

— Fortunately for the Blackhawks, their penalty kill was terrific. They went 4-for-4 and killed off a crucial late third-period penalty to keep the game tied at 2-2. Lehner stopped all seven shots he faced with the man advantage.

Three stars:

1. Blackhawks C Jonathan Toews — Overtime goal, three shots on goal in 22:06 of ice time

2. Blackhawks G Robin Lehner — Stopped 37 of 39 shots for a save percentage of .949

3. Blackhawks RW Alex DeBrincat — One goal, one assist, four shot attempts (two on goal) in 17:13 of ice time

Must-see highlights:

—  Toews overtime winner 

— Caggiula goes top shelf

— DeBrincat buries power-play goal 

What's next:

The Blackhawks host the Washington Capitals on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago.

Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Blackhawks easily on your device.

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