The Chicago Blackhawks win a wild one in Phoenix knocking off the Coyotes 4-3 in overtime to even the series at 1-1.
Just like game 1, it was Chicago that got on the board first early on a Bryan Bickell tip-in on the power play. It was Bickell’s first power play goal of the year and just the third of his career.
It didn’t take long for Phoenix to respond, however. Shane Doan won a board battle over Duncan Keith leading to a Raffi Torres snipe that blew by Corey Crawford’s right shoulder tying the game at 1.
Less than 5 minutes later, Antoine Vermette capitalized on a brutally called Jonathan Toews goaltender interference penalty giving the Coyotes a 2-1 lead.
Early in the second period, Brandon Bollig tied the game up at 2 scoring his first career NHL goal in just his second career playoff contest on a nasty wrist shot that blew right past Mike Smith’s glove.
Seconds after the Blackhawks tied it up, Andrew Shaw collided with Phoenix goaltender Mike Smith behind the net causing Smith’s helmet to fall off. Shaw was slapped with a 5-minute major for charging and a game misconduct while Smith remained in the game.
On the ensuing power play, Antoine Vermette tallied his second goal of the game, third of the series, putting the Coyotes back up by a goal heading into the final period of regulation.
Chicago down by 1. On the road. Seconds to go. 6 attackers on the ice. Where have we seen this before? For the second consecutive game, the Blackhawks net a late game-tying goal with just 5.5 remaining on the clock coming off the stick of Brent Seabrook and tipped in by Patrick Sharp sending the game into overtime.
According to @NHLBlinn, the Blackhawks are the first team in NHL history to score tying goals with less than 15 seconds in regulation in consecutive games of one series.
Several opportunities for both teams to finish the game in extra time, but it was Bryan Bickell that sealed the deal for the Blackhawks potting his second goal of the evening as Chicago steals Game 2 in Phoenix.
Corey Crawford was absolutely sensational for the Blackhawks once again stopping 30 of 33 shots faced, 7 saves in overtime.
Patrick Sharp and Bryan Bickell combined for 3 goals and 14 hits tonight, including 9 shots on goal.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Series tied 1-1. Game 3 is on Tuesday night in Chicago; puck drop at 8:00pm CT!
TWITTER: @CRoumeliotis
