With the Anaheim Ducks having a 2-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals. The Ducks look to take the second straight game in Chicago to take a 3-1 series lead, just like they did against the Calgary Flames.
In the first period at the United Center, the aggressive physical play was brought from both teams, as they both wanted to set the tone for Game 4.
The Ducks lead the period in hits with twenty-two, to the Blackhawks twelve hits.
Even though the Blackhawks didn’t lead in hits, they were very active on the defensive side of the ice, only giving the mighty Ducks six shots on goal.
But the Ducks defense did show up to, as the Ducks lead with twelve blocked shots, compared to the Blackhawks five blocked shots.
Both teams had an even amount of power plays with two in the first period, but it wasn’t until the Ducks last power play for the Blackhawks to take the lead.
With 3:20 left in the first period,Brent Seabrookwas called for slashing, as he got aggravated fromRyan Keslerphysical contact, and retaliated with hitting Kesler in the back with his stick, right in front of the referee.
Unfortunately, the Ducks weren’t able to take the lead on the one-man advantage, due to the Blackhawks strong defensive wall the Hawks presented the Ducks on the Hawks blue line.
With 46.5 seconds left in the first period the Blackhawks took the lead as the Ducks defensemanFrancois Beauchemingot tangled up with referee Chris Rooney, which prevented him from moving into a position from the boards to effectively defend Chicago’sBrandon Saad.
Saadgot enough time to gather the puck and pounce down the right side of the ice to out skateRyan Kesler, and beatFrederik Andersenlow, to take a 1-0 lead.
Alongside the Ducks trailing in the start of the second period, the Blackhawks almost increased their lead to two, with a backhand fromJonathan Toewsthat missed the net wide.
Chicago’s defensemanBrent Seabrookalmost got another chance to increase the lead as he shot a bullet to the right side of Andersen as he hit the right post of the goal.
At 15:15 into the second period,Jonathan Toewswas given a high-sticking penalty againstRyan Kesleron the left side of the net.
As the Ducks were unable to get a goal with the one-man advantage, it did spark the mighty Ducks offense as the Ducks ended the period spending the last minutes in the Blackhawks zone.
The same zone in which the Ducks used to get the last ten shots on goals, and tie the game at one with a tip-in fromEmerson Etemwho finally got the puck past Crawford, with his third goal of the Stanley cup playoffs.
The Ducks and Blackhawks entered the third period tied at 1-1, but it didn’t last long for one of these offensive powerhouse teams to get a goal.
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With 2:38 into the third periodJonathan Toewsscores on a wrist shot with his patience, as he guided the puck past Andersen to take a 2-1 lead.
Five minutes later the Blackhawks took a two-goal lead (3-1), as Seabrook shot a laser to the right side of the goal over the shoulders of Andersen.
The Ducks immediately responded with three straight goals within thirty-seven seconds to take a 4-3 lead.
Goals from: Ryan Kesler,Matt Beleskey&Corey Perry(All Wrist shots)
With 12:23 into the third period,Kyle Cumiskeywas called for holdingJakob Silfverberg, which turned to be a costly penalty asPatrick Kanetied the game at 4, with fifteen seconds into their one-man advantage.
Bottom Line: Anaheim Needs To Pull It Together In OT
In the second overtime of game four,Antoine Vermettefinds his rebound off of Andersen, and slams the puck in the left side of the goal, over a flat Frederik Andersen.
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