Blackhawks set record for best start to season

(Reuters) - The Chicago Blackhawks set a National Hockey League record for the best start to a season when they scored a point in a 17th consecutive game by defeating the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on Friday.

Rookie Brandon Saad's short-handed third-period goal delivered the game-winner as the Blackhawks (14-0-3) remained undefeated in regulation play this season.

"I just took him (Sharks defenseman Brent Burns) wide and tried to get a shot off and luckily I beat him (goalie Antti Niemi) to the glove side," Saad told reporters.

"It's nice to make history."

The Anaheim Ducks set the previous record of 16 straight games with a point to open the 2006-07 season. Chicago tied that mark in a win on Tuesday. All three Chicago losses have come in shootouts.

"It's kind of crazy to think you're not going to lose a game in regulation for the first 17 games," said Viktor Stalberg, who scored the Blackhawks' first goal.

"It's a cool thing to be a part of."

The Blackhawks have not lost a regular season game in regulation since March 25, 2012, a run of 23 games.

Saad rifled a shot past Niemi on the glove side 2:24 into the third as league-leading Chicago won its fourth game in a row.