Blackhawks Defeat Ducks to Force Game 7

The Associated Press
The Associated Press
Mary Chastain

The Chicago Blackhawks forced a Game 7 against the Anaheim Ducks in a dramatic Game 6. They won 5-2, which is the first game Anaheim lost all playoffs in regulation.

There is a reason why the Blackhawks won two Stanley Cups in the last five years and played in conference finals five of the last seven. They never give up and are most dangerous when their backs are against the wall.

The first period was relatively boring, compared to the rest of the game. Tons of hits. Another stupid too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty by the Blackhawks. Fantastic saves by both goalies. The Hawks came out flying, but goalie Frederik Andersen kept out the shots.

Different teams emerged in the second period. Someone lit a fire under the Blackhawks. Shot after shot went into Anaheim’s zone and finally past Andersen at 8:23. Brandon Saad picked up the puck at center ice when Anaheim attempted to block a pass from Duncan Keith. Perfect maneuvering by Patrick Kane allowed Saad to skate into the endzone.

Only two minutes later Marian Hossa, who places himself right in front of the net, shoots the puck after brilliant passes from Duncan Keith and Brad Richards.

Two minutes later, Patrick Kane, or Jonathan Toews, scored to put the Hawks up 3-0. It appears Toews touches the puck before it crosses the line, but the NHL awarded the goal to Kane. Either way, the team and the United Center did not care. The arena exploded as the Hawks proved why they were picked as one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup.

But Anaheim is a powerful team and they quickly answered on their power play with a goal from Patrick Maroon.

Then the Ducks show up in the third period with a goal from Clayton Stoner. However, a close look shows clear goalie interference with Corey Crawford.

When the referees called goalie interference on Andrew Desjardins, coach Joel Quenneville erupted on the bench. Yes, Desjardins tripped and did not mean to interfere, but it is still a penalty. However, the refs should have whistled Jakob Silfverberg as well.

Spectators could not sit down as tensions continued to rise in 3-2 game. Anaheim prevented the Hawks from shooting on goal, reminiscent of Game 5. But Crawford remained strong and stopped all the shots after the Stoner goal.

At 16:28, Andrew Shaw finally provided much relief to the United Center with his third goal in the playoffs after the game went at least eight minutes without a whistle. Absolutely no one in the arena remained in their seats after the goal.

Shaw then iced the cake with his empty net goal at 19:11.

Two Game 7s in the conference finals. Tampa Bay Lightning play against the New York Rangers at 8PM ET on Friday night on NBCSN. Game 7 between Anaheim and Chicago is Saturday night at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBCSN.

Late Saturday night everyone will know who will play for Lord Stanley’s Cup. Question is, who will it be? It is hard to tell the way the four remaining teams have played.

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