Hawks take commanding 2-0 lead over Sharks

Jonathan Toews scored a power play goal on a deflection and Antti Niemi made 25 saves as Chicago beat San Jose 4-2 to take a 2-0 NHL semi-final series lead Tuesday.

Chicago captain Toews also had an assist, extending his point streak to 11 games. He leads all playoff scorers with seven goals and 16 assists.

Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd and Troy Brouwer added goals for the second- seeded Blackhawks. Byfuglien's goal also came on a deflection just 90 seconds before Toews scored.

The series now shifts to Chicago for game three on Friday and game four Sunday.

Chicago have been road warriors in the postseason, clinching the first two series in Nashville and Vancouver before winning the opening two games against the top-seeded San Jose.

The Blackhawks became just the fifth team to win seven consecutive road games in a playoffs, joining Colorado (1999), New Jersey (1995), and the New York Islanders (1980 and '82).

Patrick Marleau scored both goals for the Sharks, who dropped to 0-5 at home in two trips to the semi-finals. They also lost the first two at home to Calgary in 2004.