Klemm’s First Goal for Chicago Is Timely

Jon Klemm’s first goal with the Chicago Blackhawks couldn’t have come at a better time or against a better opponent.

Klemm scored at 6:39 of the third period Sunday night to snap a tie, leading the Blackhawks to a 4-2 victory over his former team--the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche.

Klemm, a defenseman, signed as a free agent with the Blackhawks over the summer after nine seasons in the Avalanche organization.

“I was a little nervous at first with all my buddies over there on the other bench,” Klemm said. “I’d never been through something like that before. But once the puck dropped, everything was back to normal.”

Alex Zhamnov, Igor Korolev and rookie Mark Bell also scored for Chicago, undefeated in four games (2-0-2). Bell’s goal, with 3:56 left in the third, was his first in the NHL.

“There’s not a whole lot of special things going on, but there’s a lot of good things going on with us as a group,” first-year Chicago Coach Brian Sutter said.

Rob Blake and Joe Sakic had power-play goals for Colorado, which has won only two of six games (2-4-0).

The Avalanche managed only 16 shots against goalie Jocelyn Thibault. Colorado’s Patrick Roy made 19 saves.

“We didn’t generate enough,” Avalanche Coach Bob Hartley said. “We need more from our star players.

“It’s disappointing. I can’t say that I’m happy with the way our best players are playing.”

Sakic’s power-play goal at 3:50 of the third period tied it at 2-2. He scored from 10 feet after being set up by Alex Tanguay’s pass across the crease.

Klemm’s goal restored Chicago’s lead at 3-2. His slap shot from the top of the left circle hit the crossbar and dropped in.