Sports

Crawford makes 25 saves as Blackhawks beat Kings 3-1 in Game 1 of Western Conference final

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jeff Schultz (55) collides with Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell (29) and Jonathan Toews during the first period of Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs in Chicago on Sunday, May 18, 2014. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (The Associated Press)

Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane (88), right, controls the puck against Los Angeles Kings' Jeff Carter (77) during the first period in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs in Chicago on Sunday, May 18, 2014. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

Corey Crawford made 25 saves, Jonathan Toews had a big goal in the third period and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 in Game 1 of the Western Conference final Sunday.

Brandon Saad added a goal and an assist for Chicago, which remained perfect in seven home playoff games this year. Duncan Keith had a tiebreaking score in the third period.

Playing just two days after a Game 7 victory over Anaheim, the Kings got a second-period goal from Tyler Toffoli and outshot the Blackhawks 26-20. But Crawford made a couple of solid stops in another terrific performance.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Wednesday night.