In Edmonton, Matthew Highmore got the Chicago Blackhawks even, 3-3, with the Oilers in the 15th minute of the third period Wednesday night off a tip-in goal from the slot.
“A couple tough bounces for our line,” Highmore said. “We wanted to get that back and help the team. It was certainly on our mind. We wanted to create energy, and I think we did that. As a group, our whole team got us a big win.”
With 78 seconds left in regulation, Jonathan Toews struck for the go-ahead and game winning goal to give the Hawks a 2-1 series lead.
“We stuck with it. I think it was a great team effort,” Toews, said. “Some great contributions from all over our lineup and in the third for that offense.”
Toews had two goals on the night; the game-winner was also off a tip-in, from a shot by Connor Murphy.
“Just a lucky bounce, I didn’t throw a very hard one at the net, I saw [Toews] had good position,” Murphy said. “He was all alone in front to be able to get a tip on it, so it ended up. I thought for sure he got it. Those last minutes in games, every face-off is so huge, and obviously that one being a big one for us being able to get a shot off.”
Corey Crawford made 25 saves for the win.
“It’s a long series,” Edmonton’s Darnell Nurse said. “There are still two games to be played. We battled and put ourselves in position at the end of the game that we could’ve won. But sometimes the bounces go the other way. We have to respond, come here Friday and play our best game.”
Leon Draisaitl struck twice and had three points for the Oilers and Connor McDavid added a single marker.
“It’s obviously disappointing, no question,” Draisaitl said. “… Got to make sure we win the next two. I mean, I think we all know the situation we’re in right now. We have to prepare for a back-to-back. Whatever it takes to win two games in a row.”
Olli Maatta also scored for Chicago.
The two teams play Game 4 on Friday.
“We’ll enjoy it for tonight and on to the next one,” Chicago head coach Jeremy Colliton said. “… We’ve got to expect a desperate team in Game 4, and we have to respond ourselves.”
[WATCH:Â All Oilers vs. Blackhawks Game 3 highlights]
Mikko Koskinen made 21 saves in the loss.
“I mean, we didn’t get off to the start we wanted,” McDavid said. “We took over the first period after they got one. And then just far too any penalties. Refs are calling lots of stuff, we know that. We have to be more disciplined.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.