VANCOUVER, BC – Alexandre Burrows became the latest National Hockey League player to make history. His second goal of the game gave the Canucks a 2-1 overtime victory, and a 4-3 series win.
Chicago defenseman Chris Campoli turned the puck over just inside his own blue line early in overtime. Burrows picked up the puck, took two strides and put a wrist shot past the outstretched glove of Corey Crawford.
Vancouver got the start they needed on home ice. Burrows took a perfect feed from Ryan Kesler and gave the Cancuks a 1-0 lead 2:43 into the contest.
Chicago responded with shot after shot towards the net. Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo was up to the task, and did not give up his customary juicy rebounds.
Physical play and defense dominated the second period. Neither team was able to light the lamp, but certainly dished out the hits.
Twenty one seconds into the third period Vancouver was given a gift of a penalty shot. Duncan Keith tripped up Burrows on his way to the net. The referee determined Burrows was in the clear and awarded the forward a clear shot at the net. Hawks netminder Corey Crawford was up to the task and turned away the forehand shot.
Vancouver looked like they would add an insurance goal with 5:04 remaining in the third period, but Crawford robbed the Canucks with the glove save of the series
Things looked grim for Chicago as Keith was sent to the penalty box with just over three minutes remaining. The guy they call “Captain Serious” finally put the visitors on the board. Marion Hossa’s initial shot was saved by Luongo, but the rebound laid on the ice in front of the net. Jonathon Toews scored shorthanded from his knees.
After playing a horrible three games, Vancouver deserves credit for clamping down defensively to win the contest. After scoring a goal early, they sat back and forced the Hawks to take shots from the perimeter.
The Vancouver victory was the first time in the past three seasons they beat Chicago in the playoffs. The Canucks will host Nashville in the Western Conference Semifinals, which is expected to start Friday night.
Contact Adam.Minnick@prohockeynews.com
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