Sharp's 2nd goal sends Hawks to overtime win

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UNIONDALE, N.Y.When coach Joel Quenneville talks about Marian Hossas game, he doesnt just focus on the offense the right wing provides.

But that offense is nevertheless a pretty nice part of his game.

Hossa scored his 400th career goal and added two assists, and Patrick Sharp had two goals including the overtime game-winner as the Chicago Blackhawks beat the New York Islanders 3-2 on Thursday night. The Blackhawks remain three points behind first-place Minnesota, who won in Los Angeles late Thursday night.

Ray Emery was strong in his start, stopping 31 of 33 shots for his fifth victory this season. Quenneville said theyll consider Emery for Sunday when the Blackhawks host the San Jose Sharks.

We like the situation; we have some things to consider, Quenneville said. Hes earned an opportunity to get back in the net so well look at it. Ray looked big, looked good and he continues to get points for us. It was a big win for him and us as well.

As for Hossa, No. 400 wasnt his most stylish. He was behind the net when his pass toward Isles goaltender Al Montoya bounced off him and in the net. But the goal, which came on the power play, was memorable nonetheless.

It means something but on the other hand I didnt think about it too much, said Hossa, who added Sharp picked up the puck for him. I got the puck, tried to basically make the pass to (Jonathan) Toews and it hit a goalie stick or skate. It was one of the lucky ones.

Sharp won the game 1:34 into overtime when he and Hossa broke away on a 2 on 1. Hossas shot banked off Montoya, and Sharp was there to wrist it in for his 15th of the season.

It was nice to get a couple (goals) on even strength today, Sharp said. (Hossa) made a nice play on that last goal there. He didnt have a pass so he just shot it off the pad and got a nice bounce.

The Blackhawks were also sounder on the defensive side, keeping the breakaways and odd-man rushes to a minimum. They also held fast when the Islanders had 1:56 of 5 on 3 late in the second and early in the third.

That was a huge kill, Duncan Keith said. We were trying to be smart with the puck (defensively). Youre never going to be perfect out there, but I think when they had some chances, Razor made some big saves.

The Blackhawks werent too happy losing their 2-0 lead in this one but they hung in there. Their all-around game was better, Hossa and Sharp provided a great scoring tandem and Emery has given Quenneville one of those tough decisions he loves having to make.

Thats a pretty balanced night.

They got back into the game but we didnt quit and we got the opportunity to win in overtime, Emery said. It was a pretty solid game all around.

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