Blackhawks beat Leafs for sixth home win in a row

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The Chicago Blackhawks held off the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 on Friday to claim a sixth successive home victory for the first time in eight seasons.

Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Troy Brouwer all scored as Chicago raced to a 3-0 lead then withstood a pair of late goals by the Leafs' Phil Kessel to seal the win.

It was Chicago's third victory in a row since the return of injured captain Jonathan Toews and maintained their lead in the Central Division (11-5-2).

The Blackhawks last won six consecutive games at home in the 2001-02 season when they won seven in a row.

"Tonight we looked like we were on our way -- we had a comfortable lead and let it unravel a little," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville told reporters.

"I don't know if it was letting up but they scored a goal (in the second period) and it gave them life. We're happy we got the win."

Goaltender Vesa Toskala made 31 saves for the Maple Leafs (3-9-5), who suffered their second defeat in a row.

Kane gave Chicago the lead with a snap shot 3:22 into the game and the Blackhawks made it 2-0 10 minutes later on Keith's goal. Brouwer capitalized on a power play at 2:51 in the second to make it 3-0.

Kessel tried to rally Toronto by beating goaltender Cristobal Huet with just over two minutes left in the second period and scored again at 5:33 in the third. Huet finished with 29 saves.

"Huet made some big saves in the third and they had a lot of chances, you have to give them credit," Keith said. "We have to make sure when we have a lead we make smart plays with the puck."

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)