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The Blackhawks got another solid performance from Scott Darling to extend winning streak

Chicago Blackhawks v New York Islanders

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 15: Scott Darling #33 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes the third period save against the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center on December 15, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Blackhawks defeated the Islanders 5-4. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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In recent times without Corey Crawford, the Chicago Blackhawks have leaned heavily on Scott Darling.

It appears Crawford is nearing a return to the lineup after missing the last few weeks following an appendectomy. That’s good news for the Blackhawks. But with Crawford out, Darling has been solid, if not impressive in that time and he proved that again Sunday.

Starting for the second time in as many days, after playing the night before against the St. Louis Blues? No problem, apparently.

Darling made 33 saves and the Blackhawks ended San Jose’s winning streak at four games with a 4-1 victory. That’s five wins in a row for Chicago.

“We talked about it. It was a good discussion,” Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said of playing Darling in back-to-backs. “At the end of it, he came back with another win so we didn’t want to change the pattern.”

Once again, the Blackhawks rallied after falling behind.

Once again, it was another big third period that helped them to victory.

Duncan Keith finally scored his first of the season, tying the game in the second period. Chicago then scored three times in the third period, with goals from Ryan Hartman, Vinnie Hinostroza and Patrick Kane.

Game over.

Not only did the Sharks lose the game, but forward Melker Karlsson left in the third period and didn’t return after colliding with a Chicago player near the corner.