The Chicago Blackhawks set an NHL record for the best start to a season, beating the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on Friday night to give them at least one point in their first 17 games.

Blackhawks rookie Brandon Saad scored a short-handed goal early in the third period to snap a 1-1 tie. Chicago (14-0-3) won its fourth straight game to break a mark set by the 200607 Anaheim Ducks, who earned points in their first 16 games.

The Blackhawks equalled that run Tuesday with a shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks.

Saad closed in on the left wing one-on-one with San Jose defenceman Brent Burns. After a quick fake, Saad fired a shot from the circle that beat San Jose's Antti Niemi just under the glove 2: 24 into the period.

Viktor Stalberg also scored for league-leading Chicago, which has captured a total of 31 of 34 possible points.

Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery made 26 saves to win his fourth straight start and improve to 7-0. Chicago killed all four San Jose power plays, all of which occurred in a span of under 14 minutes late in the second and early in the third periods.

Patrick Marleau scored for the Sharks, getting only his second goal in 11 games after getting nine in San Jose's first five games.

KARLSSON WARY OF COOKE: Erik Karlsson refuses to believe Matt Cooke intentionally cut him, but feels the Pittsburgh Penguins forward was aiming to get him.

"He's been after me before," the Ottawa Senators defence-man said Friday in his first public comments since suffering a season-ending Achilles injury just over a week ago.

"Ever since I got in the league, it's one of the guys I remember always playing against and always being aware of. It's a freak incident, but I still think it's an injury that shouldn't have happened."

Cooke reached out to Karlsson via text message but the Senators star didn't respond.

HALL SUSPENDED: The NHL suspended forward Taylor Hall of the Edmonton Oilers two games without pay Friday for kneeing Minnesota's Cal Clutterbuck.

Hall received a five-minute major and game misconduct for kneeing Clutterbuck at 17: 27 of the third period of the Wild's 3-1 victory Thursday night. Hall subsequently had a hearing with the National Hockey League Department of Player Safety on Friday.

As a result of the suspension, Hall will forfeit US$9,729.72 in salary. Hall will be eligible to return to Edmonton's lineup Thursday when the Oilers face the Dallas Stars.

LANDESKOG READY: The Colorado Avalanche will have captain Gabriel Landeskog back on the ice when they play in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The league's reigning rookie of the year recently returned to practice after sitting out 11 games with a concussion.