PHOENIX, Ariz – For the fifth straight game Chicago and Phoenix went to overtime. This time the Blackhawks were able to get the winner. Captain Jonathan Toews tucked the puck just under the cross bar and just inside the post, giving the Hawks a 2-1 victory. Phoenix still leads the series 3-2.
Every game this series have gone to an extra session, tying an NHL record. Only one other series, the 1951 Stanley Cup Finals, saw all five of its games hit overtime.
Chicago coach Joel Quenneville brought a different game plan to Saturday’s contest. For the first time all series the Hawks defensemen were very active in the offensive zone. The strategy worked well as Chicago outshot Phoenix 12-4 in the first period.
Early in the second period the Coyotes took advantage of the Hawks aggressive play when Gilbert Brule led a two-on-nothing. His slap shot found the net at 2:46 for his first goal of the series.
The Blackhawks continued to throw rubber towards Mike Smith, who was perfect through forty minutes. The Coyotes net minder especially came up big in the four power plays the Hawks had in the game.
The last few games Chicago waited until the final minute to tie games up. Saturday night they did it half way through the third period. Nick Leddy’s slapshot past a Dave Bolland screen ignited Chicago, tying the game at one.
Chicago dominated the shots on goal board with a 38-19 edge. It would have been even more lopsided, but Phoenix blocked 29 shots in the contest.
The teams will get on their charter flights and head to Chicago. The puck drops inside the United Center on Monday at 8 p.m. Central Time.
Contact Adam.Minnick@prohockeynews.com
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