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Hawks Can’t Clinch Back Home in Game 5

Written by: EricC on 10th May 2010

It would have been a spectacular way to end the series. The Chicago Blackhawks falling bad in Game 1, only to come back on a four game winning streak, and clinch the Western Conference Finals during a game in Chicago. Unfortunately, that was not the story that was written on Sunday night. The Blackhawks played a decent game, but Vancouver really stepped up their defense this time around, forcing a Game 6 back in Canada.

Less than a minute into the game, Vancouver really killed the Blackhawk Fan Buzz when they put in the opening goal. With a little over five minutes left in the period, the Canucks made it a 2-0 game, but Chicago still kept playing tough. Unfortunately, the Hawks’ momentum started to break down in the second period when they fell behind by three goals, during a Canuck Power Play; this was Vancouver’s first three goal lead since Game 1.

With a little over seven minutes remaining in the game, Jonathan Toews gave Chicago their first goal off a beautiful assist from Duncan Keith. There wasn’t much time left, but Chicago has made a comeback in crazier situations. Unfortunately, Vancouver’s Empty Netter in the final minute closed the book on this game.

Antti Niemi struggled a bit in Game 5, only receiving 23 shots and giving up three goals. Luckily, the Hawks still hold the lead, and have a chance to put the series away in the next game.

Game 6 will take place this Tuesday, May 11, at 8:30 P.M. CT.