The Chicago Blackhawks started off the season on a record streak and after going down to the lower-seeded Detroit Red Wings in their second round playoff series, the team came back to win Game 6 and force a decisive Game 7 matchup in the NHL playoffs.
The Blackhawks won 4-3 to even up the series 3-3 and the team will now have Game 7 at home after being the number one seed and the team got four goals from four different players, including one from Marian Hossa. The red Wings fought hard and took a lead into the third period, but the Blackhawks scored three times in the final frame to take the victory after 35 saves from Corey Crawford.
Bryan Bickell scored the winner for the Blackhawks and the team now has the momentum and the confidence to win Game 7 after being outplayed for most of the series by the Red Wings. Detroit had the lead heading into the third, but Jimmy Howard couldn't keep it up and now the Blackhawks look ready to move on. Chicago captain Jonathan Toews has been quiet in the series, but he said the team is ready to go to the next level and after going up two, Detroit cut the lead on a Damien Brunner goal with less than a minute left, but they couldn't add another score.
The Red Wings looked ready to win after taking the 2-1 lead into the third period and keeping Chicago out of their zone for most of the second, but in the first minute Michal Handzus scored to tie up the game and the team quickly went ahead and never looked back.
"If I would've told Detroit and Michigan we would play in Chicago in Game 7, I think everybody would be excited about that," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "I love Game 7s.
The matchup of two Original Six teams has been quite the battle and Crawford has been one of the main reasons why the team has been in every game and he proved it again by stopping a number of tough shots late against Detroit. Howard had 24 saves, but his third period was enough to bury the Red Wings.
Chicago ended up with more power plays and scored one goal with the advantage, while teach team had five penalties, but the biggest shift was in shots, as Detroit had 38 and still lost to the 28 Chicago had. Detroit was more physical and won more face offs, but Chicago never gave up and now there will be a game seven to see who will play in the West finals against the Sharks or the Kings, who also are in a Game 7.
