Call him Taylor ‘Hat Trick’ Hall: Veteran forward secures his 1st as a Chicago Blackhawk

Taylor Hall recorded his fifth career hat trick and first as a Chicago Blackhawk during Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Stars at the United Center. Hall foreshadowed a special night when he beat goalie Casey DeSmith on the opening goal 17 seconds into the game, tying Kenny Wharram, Stan Mikita, Troy Murray, Jeremy Roenick and Kyle Calder for the 10th-fastest opening goal in franchise history. Five minutes and 26 seconds later, Hall batted in a Ryan Donato rebound.

Hall secured the hatty in the second period. Pat Maroon dug the puck out of a corner battle to Craig Smith, who found Hall sitting alone on the left hash. Hall sized up his options for a moment and snapped a 21-footer past DeSmith.



Hall’s outburst also snapped a 13-game goal drought. And speaking of droughts, Connor Bedard broke out of a 12-game slump with a power play goal 41 seconds into the second period. After lifting the puck top shelf, he looked up to the rafters, his face expressing more relief than celebration.

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