VANCOUVER, BC – The Chicago Blackhawks refuse to allow their season to end as they demolished Vancouver 5-0 Thursday night. The win gave Chicago their second straight victory and closed the Vancouver series lead to 3-2.
Reigning Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith led his team with four points, while Marian Hossa had a three point night. Rookie goaltender Corey Crawford stood tall in net making 34 saves, earning his first career playoff shutout.
It was another short night for the Canucks’ net minder, as Roberto Luongo gave up four goals in just 21:15 minutes of play. It was the second straight game Luongo was pulled in favor of backup goalie Cory Schneider.
The Canucks had their chance early as the Hawks were assessed a penalty just 16 seconds into the game. The defending Stanley Cup champions killed off the Vancouver power play and used the momentum the rest of the game.
Hossa scored his first goal of the series on the power play at 5:54. On the next shift, Keith launched a slap shot to the back of the net quieting the Rogers Centre crowd.
Midway through the opening frame, Chicago went back to the power play and another of their big guns scored. Patrick Kane lit the lamp for the first time this post season when he redirected a Keith slap shot.
Early in the second period, Hossa had nothing but open ice in front of him, and made the Canucks pay. “Big Hoss” beat Luongo’s glove, sending the veteran goalie to the pine.
Schneider barely had time to stretch out before the Blackhawks greeted him quite rudely. Keith launched another wicked slap shot from the blue line that beat Schneider to the short side.
Vancouver turned to gutless play as the second period wore on. They continually tried to take runs at any white sweater, but the referees did a good job of maintaining control of the game.
The Hawks will try to stave off elimination for the third straight game as they host Vancouver on Sunday night. The puck drops inside the United Center at 6:30 p.m. Chicago time.
Contact Adam.Minnick@prohockeynews.com
