Chicago Blackhawks Hammer Vancouver Canucks in Overtime 4-3 to Force Game 7 –NHL Playoffs
The league leading Vancouver Canucks was stunned on Sunday as the eighth seed, Chicago Blackhawks, avoided elimination and forced a game seven of the quarterfinals. Hawks defeated the Canucks by 4-3 in overtime to keep themselves alive for a final match
at the United Centre in Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago has come close to achieving the impossible as they draw near to a series win after recovering from three straight losses and then winning three consecutive matchups to level the Western Conference quarterfinals 3-3.
No one could have imagined this situation while entering the postseason as Hawks barely made it to the playoffs and had to face Canucks who have had their best season ever and ended as number one in the National Hockey League (NHL).
It looks like the defending Stanley Cup champions have finally realised the importance of this series.
Vancouver was leading 2-1 at the end of the first period when Daniel Sedin opened up the scoring in the first two minutes. He scored his fifth of the season on a pass from brother, Henrik Sedin, who leads the NHL is assist.
Bryan Bickell made the equalizing shot during the final six minutes but Alex Burrows took the lead once again at the 18:48 mark unassisted.
Canucks gave over eight minutes in penalty time to Blackhawks including a 5-on-3 man advantage at the halfway point.
Hawks was unable to capitalise on any of them but Dave Bolland managed to penetrate their goalie Roberto Luongo to tie the match 2-2 entering the final period.
"They were throwing a lot on net", said Hawks’ goalie, Corey Crawford, who blocked 32 shots including 12 in the overtime alone. "It was probably the biggest game of my career. A lot of fun to win".
Rookie, Crawford, has been performing exceptionally well for Hawks in these past few games while Luongo and the other rookie goalie, Corey Schneider, have been mixing up to start off the match.
Schneider replaced Luongo this time but was recalled to the benches early in the final period. He blocked a total of 17 of 20 shots while Luongo saved the remaining 12 of 13.
Kevin Bieksa brought the Blackhawks closer to elimination as he scored within 58 seconds of the third period. Bieksa made the goal but gave Chicago an open opportunity when he was penalized for tripping Michael Frolik on a breakaway and a penalty shot was
awarded to the Hawks. Michael Frolik scored and forced an unprecedented overtime.
Both teams made most of their attempts in overtime but it was Ben Smith’s shot with less than five minutes remaining that went through Luongo and gave Chicago the match.
"I got a piece of it with my [stick] k**b and I'm not sure exactly what happened", Luongo said disappointed. "I think Smith just chipped it over me on the rebound".
Come Tuesday, both teams will face off in game seven in Vancouver to decide who will go on and who will rest. Chicago will attempt at becoming only the third team in NHL history to have recovered after a 3-0 loss in the series and has already become seventh
to force a game seven after being on the edge of elimination since game four.
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