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Blackhawks Wed Apr 20 2011
Hawks Stay Alive With Raucous Win
Tribune photo: Brian Cassella
It's not over yet, y'all.
Scoring four times in the second period, the Blackhawks crushed the Vancouver Canucks 7-2 in last night's Game Four, putting Chicago down 3-1 in the series. It could have been the final loss that would allow Vancouver to sweep the series, but the Blackhawks came out fighting at home.
The story of the game was Dave Bolland. The Blackhawks center was stellar in his first appearance in 17 games, helping Chicago take a 5-1 lead in the second period with a goal and three assists. Bolland had been out with a concussion since early March, but returned to create a power line with Brian Bickell and Michael Frolik, all of whom scored goals Tuesday.
Duncan Keith, Brian Campbell and Patrick Sharp (2) also scored as the Hawks scored six straight goals and threw in a couple fights for good measure.
The underdog Chicago team got into the head of all-star goalie Roberto Luongo, giving the Hawks the opportunity to rack up the points. Luongo ended the game with six goals allowed before he was pulled for backup Chris Schneider near the end of the game.
The sellout crowd at the United Center couldn't have helped the frustrated goalie, as nearly 22,000 fans tauntingly chanted "LUUU!" throughout the game, mocking the Canucks fans' traditional cheer after each save.
Despite the blowout score, the game stayed heated till the end, with 90 minutes penalty minutes handed out in the third period. Vancouver finished with 62; Chicago 37. Needless to say, the Canucks didn't take the loss well.
While Hawks fans may see the epic win as a sign of life, history isn't exactly on their side. Only three teams in NHL history have come back from trailing 3-0 in a playoff series.
However, the Blackhawks haven't been playing terrible hockey throughout this series, and if they've cracked the code that is Luongo, they may have a chance to pull off the upset. They'll be back in Vancouver on Thursday for Game Five, depending on yet another win to keep them alive.
Michelle / April 20, 2011 9:31 AM
Awesome game!