PHOENIX – Déjà vu all over again as a late third period goal and overtime showed up at Game 2 in Phoenix. This time the winner was different as Chicago beat the Coyotes 4-3 to even up the series.
Brian Bickell scored a five-hole goal halfway through overtime, after a Phoenix turnover. Adrian Aucoin tried to clear the puck out of the defensive zone, but made a weak attempt along the boards.
Viktor Stalberg sealed on the boards and kept the puck inside the blue line. He was able to flip the puck to Bickell and the rest was history.
Brent Seabrook, who tied the Game 1 in the final minute, this time assisted on Patrick Sharp’s goal with six seconds left in regulation. Sharp was able to redirect the Seabrook slap shot to force the extra time.
Also for the second straight game, the Hawks scored the opening goal. The long dormant power play found some life as Bickell scored his third career playoff goal at the 3:05 mark.
Just like in Game 1, the Coyotes stormed back. Captain Shane Doan showed why he has stayed around so long in the NHL. His pass was perfectly delivered to Raffi Torres who went top shelf, tying the game at one.
The referees made a questionable call that again did not go Chicago’s way. Jonathan Toews was called for goaltender interference, when replays clearly showed Coyotes’ goalie Mike Smith initiated contact with Toews. Phoenix took advantage of the bad call as Antoine Vermette’s blue line slap shot found the back of the net, giving Phoenix a 2-1 lead.
The second period saw Brandon Bollig score his first career NHL point. His snap shot from the face-off circle lit the lamp 6:56 into second period, tying the game at two.
Once again interesting officiating changed the course of the game. Forward Andrew Shaw made contact behind the Phoenix net with Smith. The net minder tumbled to the ice grabbing his head. After being on the ice for about five minutes and having multiple Coyote medical staff look at him, he fully recovered and stayed in the game.
The four referees huddled to discuss what should happen. They decided to give Shaw a five minute major for charging, a 10 minute misconduct and a game misconduct. Phoenix was able to capitalize once when Vermette scored his second goal of the game, pushing the home team back up by a goal.
Things looked good for Coyotes’ fans most of the third period. The home team used a 1-4 fore check to keep the speedy Blackhawks at bay. Smith was rarely tested until the extra attacker came on with 1:20 to go in third period.
Chicago will take the momentum back to home Tuesday night. The puck will drop at the United Center at 8 p.m. Central Time in Game 3 of this Western Conference Quarterfinal.
Contact Adam.Minnick@prohockeynews.com
