Blackhawks Force Game 7 With Thrilling Win In Detroit
By Chuck Sudo in News on May 28, 2013 2:45PM
The Blackhawks look to have the momentum as they and the Detroit Red Wings head into the deciding Game 7 of their Western Conference playoff semifinal series Wednesday night at the United Center after an exciting Game 6 at Joe Louis Arena Monday night. They won thanks to a thrilling scoring outburst in the third period that helped erase a 2-1 Detroit lead.
The Red Wings entered the third period with the lead courtesy of a fluttering wrist shot by Joakim Andersson that got past Corey Crawford, one of those soft shots Crawford occasionally allows. But the Hawks exploded in the first 10 minutes of the final period to remove Crawford from the hook. Michal Handzus started the scoring with a goal 51 seconds into the period, set up by a beautiful pass from Niklas Hjalmrasson. Bryan Bickell followed with a wrist shot nearly five minutes later. Michael Frolik's penalty shot goal at the 9:43 mark proved to be the game winner after Detroit's Damien Brunner scored with less than a minute left in regulation.
Marian Hossa started the scoring for Chicago with a power play goal 3:53 in the first period. Patrick Eaves tied the score with 1:09 left in the first period. Crawford ended the night stopping 35 shots, but Andersson's goal was still on the minds of fans even after the final horn sounded. Detroit held a 38-28 advantage in shots on goal, but couldn't find the net in the final minute after pulling goalie Jimmy Howard for an extra skater.
Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, whose had an overall terrible series, is thankful the Blackhawks still have a chance to make the Western Conference finals. "We've got that momentum," Toews said after the game. "We want to keep it."
Jeff Samardzija showed why he's the Cubs ace with a two hit complete game shutout in the first game of the Crosstown Classic with the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field Monday night. Samardzija struck out eight in recording his first career shutout and became the first Cubs pitcher to throw a shutout since Randy Wells accomplished the feat Aug. 29, 2011. Samardzija allowed after the game he was stoked to pitch at 35th and Shields. "I loved coming to watch games here as a kid. I loved watching these guys play here, so to come here, and have my whole family here, 30 minutes from home, from my backyard, it's fun."
Samarzdija had plenty of offensive support. Anthony Rizzo doubled, tripled and drove in two runs. Julio Borbon hit hit first home run of the season and Alfonso Soriano had two RBI.