(AP) — Dustin Byfuglien and the resurgent Chicago Blackhawks made quick work of the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday night.
Byfuglien, a 2007 Second Team AHL All-Star, scored three consecutive goals in the first period for his first multigoal game in the NHL and added an assist in Chicago’s 6-1 victory Friday night, the Blackhawks’ fifth straight win at home.
Byfuglien, who had two goals, five assists and a plus-6 rating in eight AHL games for the Rockford IceHogs this season, tied the Blackhawks record for goals in a game by a defenseman set in 1977 by Dick Redmond and matched by Doug Wilson in 1991. Byfuglien entered the contest with three goals and an assist in 12 NHL games this season.
"It was just a good effort all around," Byfuglien said. "Everyone was in good position and moved the puck around. I just got the shots and they all went in. I guess. We’ve got talented guys to work with. It’s great to see us getting on a roll."
Byfuglien’s first goal made it 3-0 at 5:01 of the first period. He scored from the slot after taking a centering pass from Sergei Samsonov.
Byfuglien then scored power-play goals just 16 seconds apart midway through the period – both from the top of the left circle – to extend Chicago’s lead to 5-0.
