Missed Opportunities In Game 2 Might Come Back To Haunt The Ducks

Game 2 of the 2015 Western Conference Final did not go well for the Ducks but couldn’t have gone better for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Anaheim fell into a 2-1 hole after a faulty first period with tons of defensive mistakes — including goals scored by Andrew Shaw and Marian Hossa. This, however, would prove to be the only scoring we’d see from the Blackhawks for a while.

The Ducks countered the two Chicago scores with one from their own Andrew Cogliano at the halfway point of the frame.

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In the second period, the Ducks were the lone scorers, as Corey Perry tied things up with less than three minutes remaining.

From there, it was a sight to behold because nobody could find the back of the net.

The third period was intense towards the end, as usual, but neither team could get past the opposing goalie. Corey Crawford (CHI) and Frederik Andersen (ANA) played neck and neck throughout and the game was eventually forced to go to an extra session.

Then a second.

And finally, a third.

By the time the game reached the third overtime, both teams, the fans, broadcast crew, and probably countless fans watching from home were ready for the end to come — but it did not come without drama.

Briefly, before describing the sixth and final period, it’s worth noting that Andrew Shaw nearly won it in spectacular fashion for Chicago in overtime two.

Take a look for yourself to see the incredible effort Shaw gave to get the goal (later discounted and the game continued):

You would think that after having this kind of a shot not counted that your team would feel deflated and probably fall apart — but not Chicago.

The Ducks had a handful of shots go off the goal post that could have ended it, including one that went past Corey Crawford’s mask and rung off the top crossbar.

Yeah, Anaheim was not too thrilled about that.

With the series now shifting to Chicago where the Blackhawks will have home ice advantage, the Ducks are going to need to put everything they can into the remaining games if they want a shot at the Stanley Cup Final.

If you’re a part of the Blackhawks fan base, you couldn’t be happier though.

Stealing a game from the Honda Center was going to be a lot easier said than done and even though Chicago needed triple overtime (their second game ending in such fashion this post-season), they got the job done.

Also, the way the Ducks played on defense in overtimes one and two set them up for ultimate failure and collapse in Game 2. Marcus Kruger found the back of the net on the game-winning goal because Anaheim looked completely clueless and you could really start getting the vibe they didn’t want to be on the ice much longer.

Here’s the game-winning goal:

Now with the sequel in the books, both teams will look to make a memorable trilogy and beyond as they’ll take the next step in this series staircase.

Game 3 will be Thursday, May 21 at the United Center. Puck drops 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT.