Playoff Box Score: Blackhawks Fight Back, Series Returns to Chicago

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darryl Dyck

We prefer a more wide open brand of hockey, but we also have to admit that since the Blackhawks decided to start hitting the Vancouver Canucks back, the momentum in their Stanley Cup playoff series has shifted. The Canucks have reverted back to the team that Daily Herald columnist Barry Rozner described as "gutless." The Hawks routed Vancouver 5-0 last night, cutting their deficit in the series to 3-2 and forcing Game 6 at the United Center Sunday night at 6:30 p.m.

The hero of the game was Duncan Keith. Last year's Norris Trophy winner, who played throughout much of the regular season as though he was trying to protect his new dentures, looked like he'd sacrifice those and his remaining teeth in order to win another Cup last night. Keith tallied two goals and two assists. Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane both came to life, as well. Hossa found the net behind Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo twice and Kane once. But it's been a team effort. The Blackhawks have stepped up their play on both sides of the rink and, for the past two games, have gotten back into the heads of the Canucks by showing they can take a punch and still have some fight left.