Niemi Plays His Heart Out in Game 1 Against San Jose

Written by: EricC on 17th May 2010

For the first time in the Chicago Blackhawks last five Playoff Series (two coming from last season), the Hawks grabbed the Win in Game 1. Even better, this win came on the road. A great effort by Antti Niemi to keep San Jose low on the scoreboard, and a game winner from Dustin Byfuglien, has given Chicago some prime positioning in this series against the San Jose Sharks.

Despite falling behind by a San Jose goal in the first period, the Hawks managed to maintain their momentum and pull out the win. Chicago trailed 0-1 until the seventh minute of the second period, when Patrick Sharp put in his sixth goal of the Post Season. The two teams remained tied up into the third period. With under seven minutes left in the game, Dustin Byfuglien had the game winner, coming off a pass from Patrick Kane. It was Big Buffs fifth goal of the Post Season, Kane’s ninth assist, and Captain Toews 15th assist; Toews continues to lead the NHL in Playoff Points.

Niemi was a mad man between the poles! 44 saves for the young goaltender, this was arguably one of his best games; not only because of his performance, but because of the positioning it has given the Hawks in the Series. The Finnish Fortress now has accumulated Nine NHL Playoff Victories.

The Hawks have one more game in the Shark Tank before traveling back to Chicago for two games. Game 2 will take place this Tuesday, May 18, at 9:00 P.M. CT.