Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks: First Period Recap

Blackhawks 1, Penguins 0

Stuck in fourth place in the race for the Western Conference's final playoff spot, the Chicago Blackhawks will need all the points they can obtain from here on out.

They're off to a good start against a Penguins team skating without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, scoring the first goal of the game to enter the first intermission up by a goal.

Patrick Sharp scored the go-ahead goal 10:07 into the game for the Blackhawks. Jonathan Toews centered the puck from the left side of the net to Sharp for the assist.

Niklas Hjalmarsson was credited with an assist as well on the goal.

But as recent losses to the Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets have proven, no lead is safe.

Sharp got called for a double-minor penalty for high-sticking with 2:51 left in the period. The Penguins enter the second period with 1:09 left on the power play.

Here's hoping Chicago can protect its lead this time around.