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Blackhawks set NHL record for longest point streak to start a season with 2-1 win over Sharks

Associated Press
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A Chicago Blackhawks fan holds a sign during the first period of an NHL hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the San Jose Sharks in Chicago, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

Chicago Blackhawks' Viktor Stalberg, center, celebrates with Andrew Shaw, left, and Patrick Kane after scoring a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks in Chicago, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

The Chicago Blackhawks set an NHL record for the best start to a season, beating the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on Friday night to give them at least one point in their first 17 games.

Blackhawks rookie Brandon Saad scored a short-handed goal early in the third period to snap a 1-all tie. Chicago (14-0-3) won its fourth straight game to break a mark set by the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks, who earned points in their first 16 games.

The Blackhawks equaled that run Tuesday with a shootout win over Vancouver.

Saad closed in on left wing one-on-one with San Jose defenseman Brent Burns. After a quick fake, Saad fired a shot from the circle that beat San Jose's Antti Niemi just under the glove 2:24 into the period.

Viktor Stalberg also scored for league-leading Chicago, which has captured a total of 31 of 34 possible points.