Chicago 6, Buffalo 2

Jonathan Toews tallied twice on the power play and rookies Andrew Shaw and Jimmy Hayes combined for two goals and three points as the Chicago Blackhawks trounced the visiting Buffalo Sabres, 6-2, on Wednesday.

Dave Bolland chipped in a goal and an assist and Marian Hossa scored for the Blackhawks, who took advantage of the idle Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues to move into first place in the Central Division with a Western Conference-best 62 points.

Already one of the most potent offensive teams in the league, Chicago has only gotten better with Shaw and Hayes.

Shaw, playing in his eighth career game, tied it at 1-1 with his fifth goal.

Toews’ 25th gave the Blackhawks their first lead with 4:19 left in the first and, after Jason Pominville’s second goal of the game made it 2-2, Hossa put Chicago on top for good with his 18th tally in the second.

Hayes, playing in his 10th career game, recorded his fourth goal with 6:35 left in the second and secured the second multi-point game of his young career when he assisted on Bolland’s 14th tally in the third.

Jhonas Enroth surrendered all six goals for the Sabres, who have dropped 10 straight road games.

• Chicago will play their next game at home against Florida . The Blackhawks have a W/L % of .593 after a win and .600 after a loss.
• Buffalo will play their next game on the road against Winnipeg . The Sabres have a W/L % of .316 after a win and .481 after a loss.