Not too long ago, the Chicago Blackhawks were down 2-1 to the Boston Bruins and the media was already doubting the Hawks to make a comeback in the series. But after a big overtime win on Wednesday night, the Hawks were in a great position to move closer to a title with Game 5 on their home ice. And they did just that. Hawk fans are feeling lucky, may need to be time to hit the online slot machines or a europe casino.
The Hawks stars, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews struggled early in this series but broke through in Game 4. They continued that into Saturday Night. The Hawks dynamic duo got the scoring started with under three minutes left in the first period. Kane was able to tap in a lose puck and Toews was credited with an assist.
It didn’t take the two to make more of an impact in this game. Just five minutes into the second period, Kane scored his second goal of the night after a great set up by Bryan Bickell and Toews.
Kane’s two goals put the Bruins behind and almost out as he just missed a hatrick. The Hawks had a number of chances to really put a dagger with a power play goal but the struggles continued.
The game then turned into the hands of the defense and Corey Crawford heading into the third period, up two goals.
After an 11 goal explosion in Game 4 by the two teams, the defense was certainly about to be great intensified in Saturday’s decisive Game 5. Hawks goaltender Corey Crawford received a lot of scrutiny after Game 4 due to allowing five goals, all on the glove side. Even coach Joel Quenneville was asked if he was considering switching to Ray Emery.
But Crawford responded in a huge way tonight. He allowed just one goal and stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced. When the Bruins cut into the Hawks 2-0 lead in the third, the Hawks net minder made a flurry of big saves to stop the Boston attempt of a comeback.
Michael Frolik was able to win a board battle and add the empty net goal to seal the Hawks victory and pull them within one win of the Stanley Cup.
Injuries became a problem to both teams. Boston’s Patrice Bergeron looked very uncomfortable on the ice in the second period and would not return in the third. It was later reported that he was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Hawks captain Toews also suffered an injury after taking a number of hits in the second. He did sit on the bench and wanted to play but Q did not allow him too.
“Toews, we’re hopeful he’ll be ready next game, upper body. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.” said Quennville after the game.
The series now heads back to Boston on Monday night as the Stanely Cup will be in the building.