The Chicago Blackhawks have a 1-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup playoffs after a tough and emotional triple overtime victory on Wednesday night against the Boston Bruins and with the 4-3 win they hold onto home ice advantage heading into Game 2 at the United Center on Saturday night.
The team got the game winning goal after two deflections, as Andrew Shaw was able to redirect a shot past Tuukka Rask, who was fantastic for Boston while making over 50 saves in the game through the three extra periods. Rask had the best save percentage of any goalie in the playoffs after keeping the Penguins to just two goals and now the Bruins will have to rally from behind to win the series. The team got goals from Milan Lucic and Patrice Bergeron during the game and they also lost forward Nathan Horton to an injury that could keep him out of the next matchup.
The Bruins scored first in the game and took a 2-1 lead into the final period, but that wasn't enough as the Blackhawks stormed back and tied the game before heading into the extra play. Both sides had some good chances in the overtime and Chicago goalie Corey Crawford was fantastic as he turned away shots from the Bruins. Lucic had two goals and he will be relied on even more now with Horton out.
The team got goals on the winning side from Brandon Saad and Dave Bolland and now the team will be looking to keep their home ice intact with a win on Saturday. The team was the number one seed in the West, while the Bruins were number four in the East and took care of the number one seed in the Penguins with a series sweept. Boston will not be afraid to rally after their amazing comeback in Game 7 against the Maple Leafs and the Blackhawks also know not to get too comfy, as they came back from a 3-1 deficit against the Red Wings in the previous series and won Game 7 in overtime.
Here's the schedule for the series with games on NBC and the NBC Sports Network for the finals.
Saturday, June 15, at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Monday, June 17, at Boston, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19, at Boston, 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 22, at Chicago, 8 p.m. (If necessary)
Monday, June 24, at Boston, 8 p.m. (If necessary)
Wednesday, June 26, at Chicago, 8 p.m. (If necessary)
