Blackhawks Win Playoff Opener 3-2 in OT

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Apr 17, 2009 2:22PM

Playoff hockey returned to the United Center ice for the first time in seven years, as the Blackhawks faced off against the Calgary Flames in game one of their best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinals series.

Opening the series on their home ice, the Blackhawks came from behind to win 3-2 in overtime. Martin Havlat was the 'Hawks hero, scoring both the game-tying goal in the third period as well as the game-winner just 12 seconds into OT.

The Flames opened the scoring on a David Moss goal in the first period before Cam Barker scored to knot the game at 1-1 in the second. Calgary regained the lead when Michael Cammalleri slipped the puck past Nikolai Khabibulin. Then, Havlat took over and led the 'Hawks to victory.

Said Havlat, "We battled hard, we were patient and we were sticking to the plan until the end. Just a great first game."

The Blackhawks and Flames face off in game two on Saturday night at the United Center.