Blackhawks survive Ducks' blitz; Vermette evens series with unlikely winner in double OT
The Anaheim Ducks might have authority over the third period comeback, but it's the Chicago Blackhawks who absolutely own overtime.
From the press box to the penthouse, Antoine Vermette scored the double-overtime winner Saturday in Game 4, knotting the Western Conference Final at two games apiece and improving his Blackhawks to 4-0 in games decided in extra time.
In the third, though, Anaheim's entire season was unfolding right before our eyes. With three goals scored in 37 seconds, they had erased another late-game deficit and held a one-goal lead - an advantage they've thrived on all season - with a chance to back the conference's perennial power into a corner.
But Patrick Kane answered the surge almost instantaneously, capping the incredible third with a sixth goal, and forcing Anaheim into the Blackhawks' den.
Star Performer: Brandon Saad. The forward opened the scoring with an incredible shorthanded effort in the first period and added assists on goals from Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook.
Turning Point: In 37 seconds, this game turned into a classic. Ryan Kesler, Matt Beleskey, and Corey Perry scored those three quick, aforementioned goals in what was beginning to look like the comeback to end all Ducks comebacks.
Goalie Comparison: Though he will end up with the win, Corey Crawford looked completely unsure in facing 21 shots in overtime. Somehow, he stayed in front of each before the Blackhawks' 40th evaded Frederik Andersen's outstretched glove on the scramble.
| Goalies | Shots | GA | Saves | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andersen | 40 | 5 | 35 | 0.875 |
| Crawford | 51 | 4 | 47 | 0.922 |
Top Highlight: Saad's shorty might be best suited for the highlight reel, but Vermette's winner, considering the circumstances, receives top billing.
(Courtesy: NHL.com)
Stat of the Night: The Blackhawks are 16-0 under Joel Quenneville in games played after a series is tied at 2-2, per Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Series at a glance:
Game 1: Ducks 4, Blackhawks 1
Game 2: Blackhawks 3, Ducks 2 (3OT)
Game 3: Ducks 2, Blackhawks 1
Game 4: Blackhawks 5, Ducks 4 (2OT)
Game 5: Monday, May 25, 9 p.m. ET
Game 6: Wednesday, May 27, 8 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m. ET
*If necessary