Morning Box Score: Hawks Douse Flames, Take 3-2 Series Lead

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Apr 26, 2009 3:00PM

On Saturday night, the Blackhawks came out firing. Jumping out to an early 3-0 lead in the first period, the 'Hawks beat the Calgary Flames 5-1 at the United Center, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. Brent Seabrook initiated the scoring with a goal midway through the opening period. Moments later, Patrick Sharp found the net followed by a Kris Versteeg goal just 19 seconds later. Of course, the first team to score in this series had yet to win a game, so we'd understand if Blackhawks fans got nervous when Calgary scored their lone goal of the evening early into the second period. Chicago, however, answered with two more scores by Andrew Ladd and Cam Barker to extend the lead to four goals. Neither team was able to light the lamp in the third period.

Nikolai Khabibulin, who had allowed nine goals in the Blackhawks' two losses in Calgary, blocked 19 of 20 shots against him in the game.

With their victory, the Hawks can close out the series with a win in Calgary on Monday. If Calgary defends their home ice, then the series finale will take place in Chicago on Wednesday.