Chicago Blackhawks take Game 7 from Detroit Red Wings 2-1 in OT – NHL Playoffs Update
Detroit thought that they had it all under control after getting a major 3-1 lead over Chicago following Game 4 but they were dead wrong as the Blackhawks bounced back, winning three straight to oust the Red Wings, 2-1, in a Game 7 overtime matchup.
“You go back to after Game 4. Their approach and the belief in the room, and each other was there,” Blackhawks coach, Joel Quenneville, said. “It was a strong season and we had to find a way. I think winning here in Game 5 got us excited again and got the momentum back. The last two games were tightly fought and amazing games. Finding a way to win that big third period the other night and finding a way to win tonight as well.”
Chicago managed to score the only goal in the first 40 minutes of gameplay as Patrick Sharp potted his seventh of the series 1:08 into the second. Detroit rebounded in the opening 26 seconds of the third with Henrik Zetterberg levelling the crucial matchup and forcing an overtime extension.
Both goalies were also at their best as Corey Crawford saved 26 attempts on his net but as Chicago kept the momentum high throughout the game with 35 shots on Detroit’s Jimmy Howard, he found it hard to stay perfect, letting two through him.
It was definitely not easy for Chicago to make such a historic comeback, especially being down by three games with as many chances for Detroit to take them out of the series early on and move forward. The determination and will of the Blackhawks was undoubtedly at its peak after that.
“We're excited about where we're at. Give Detroit credit. It was a tough series, a great series. We were on the ropes for a long time in that series, so we're very excited about where we're at today,” Quenneville added.
Breaking through the Detroit players, Brent Seabrook took charge and scored the OT game-winner and was flooded by his teammates who were unable to control their joy of advancing to the 2013 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals.
Chicago Blackhawks will now be going up against the Los Angeles Kings for another chance at the Stanley Cup since winning it back in 2010.
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