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Another Amazing Comeback Victory for Hawks

Written by: EricC on 25th April 2010

In Game 5, the Chicago Blackhawks had a comeback victory that was, arguable, greater than their five goal comeback against the Calgary Flames, earlier this season. The Win put Chicago a game ahead in the series, and only one game away from clinching the First Round. Nashville’s only chance of advancing is to win the last two games, one of which will be in Chicago.

The Hawks dropped their two goal lead, starting with a Short Handed goal; eventually they were down by a goal. With under about one minute remaining, Marian Hossa received a five minute major for Boarding, looking like the Predators were going to take the game, and the lead in the series. With under 15 seconds remaining, Patrick Kane scored his first NHL Short Handed goal, and it was one of the biggest goals of his career! Heading to Overtime, Hossa still had about four minutes left on his penalty to serve. As soon as his penalty finished, he skated to the far end of the net, received a cross from Brent Sopel, and put in the Game Winning goal.

Nashville started the scoring for this game, but Andrew Ladd came back and tied it up a few minutes after. Nearly 15 minutes into the game, Niklas Hjalmarsson netted his first goal of the Playoffs, followed by a goal from Tomas Kopecky a period later. Chicago now led the game 3-1, with less than half a game remaining.

In the 17th minute of the second period, Nashville put in a Short Handed goal, building their momentum back up. Then, in the opening minutes of the third period, the Predators tied the game up. Their leading goal came in the 11th minute of the period, breaking up the Hawks momentum. With only a few minutes remaining in the game, the Hawks came out stronger than they were the entire game, relentlessly trying to send the game into Overtime. Despite the Hossa penalty, Chicago played strong, eventually getting Kane’s tying goal. Five huge saves by Antti Niemi in Overtime was all that it took until Hossa could return to the ice and smash in the game winner.

Niemi played an incredible game! Despite giving up four goals, he made 17 saves. In the end, he chalked up another Playoff Win, and at such a crucial point in the series.

The Hawks have a chance to take the series in Game 6, back in Nashville. That game will take place this Monday, April 26, at 8:00 P.M. CT.