A strong defensive performance gave the Duck a 2-1 victory in Chicago on Thursday night. Anaheim owns a 2-1 series lead and retakes home ice advantage.
“I thought it was a very good checking game for us,” said Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau. “I thought we limited their chances on the road. For a tired group it was a really good game for us.”
The game may have been decided in the first period between all the man advantages. Anaheim capitalized while the Blackhawks fizzled. Patrick Maroon scored on the lone Ducks power play at 12:55 of the opening period. Anaheim’s penalty was the story as they were perfect in four chances, only allowing two Hawks shots.
As the final minute started, it appeared the visitors would enjoy a lead at the break. Patrick Kane, who has been quiet this series, changed that with a swift backhand goal at the 19:03 mark. After losing the puck initially Kane found the handle and lifted the puck past Frederik Andersen.
Most of the second period was spent watching both goalies make save after save. The teams combined for 25 shots, and the net minders made 24 saves.
The lone goal came with only 55 seconds remaining in the middle period. Ryan Getzlaf’s shot fake from the point threw off Corey Crawford who went down in his butterfly. Getzlaf quickly moved the puck to Simon Despres who threw the puck into a wide near side of the net, his first career playoff goal.
Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville puzzled many before the game with surprising lineup changes. Inserted into the line were Kris Versteeg and Joakim Nordstrom and out where Teuvo Teravainen and Antoine Vermette.
“We just wanted to get some fresh legs in there,” said Quenneville. “We wanted to bring some new guys in.”
The Ducks came into the game with a clear commitment to defense. The Blackhawks never adjusted to Anaheim’s relentless shock blocking prowess. The Ducks finished with 27 blocked shots, holding Chicago to only 29 shots on goal.
“We have a great team that is willing to sacrifice like that,” said Andersen. “It is great to have a group of guys like that in front of you.”
The teams will enjoy a day off before a prime time affair Saturday night. The puck will drop inside the United Center at 7 p.m.
Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_PHN and you can always reach him at adam.minnick@prohockeynews.com
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