On March 1, 2013 the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets at the United Center. Chicago holds the record of playing 20 straight games without a single loss in regulation time. They were hoping to extend this record by winning on their home ice tonight.
FIRST PERIOD BREAKDOWN:
With the first period underway, Columbus showed that they were here to fight when only 30 seconds in, Vinny Prospal netted the puck scoring the first goal for Columbus. Prospal’s goal was a wrist shot assisted by D. Dorsett & M. Letestu. Chicago (late in the first period) responded to Prospal’s goal when Viktor Stalberg scored, tying the game 1-1. Stalberg was assisted by B. Saad & P. Kane. Chicago had 8 shots on net and Columbus had 7. The opening period ended tied.
PENALTY SUMMARY:
- Viktor Stalberg (Chicago) - called for hi-sticking (2 minutes)
- Sheldon Brookbank (Chicago) – called for fighting (5 minutes)
- Nick Foligno (Columbus) – called for fighting (5 minutes)
- Ryan Johansen (Columbus) – called for having to many men on ice (2 minutes)
SECOND PERIOD BREAKDOWN:
Chicago started the first 8 or so minutes of the 2nd period with great strength. DUNCAN KEITH had an amazing diving save that may have saved the Blue Jackets from scoring another goal. About 12 minutes into the 2nd, Artem Anisimov scored the second goal for Columbus. This gave them the 1 goal advantage. The Blackhawks do not respond well when they are “loosing”. Being down by one goal late into the second period, they started playing harder then they already were which paid off when Patrick Sharp scored the 2nd goal for the Blackhawks. Sharp’s scored with a backhand assisted by D. Keith. All Blackhawks fans were very happy to see that Chicago had tied the game. They were ecstatic when Bryan Bickell scored off of a snap shot less then 60 seconds later! Chicago had taken the lead just a few minutes before the 2nd period ended. The 2nd ended with Chicago in the lead 3-2.
PENALTY SUMMARY:
- Daniel Carcillo (Chicago) – called for fighting (5 minutes)
- Nikita Nikitin (Columbus) – called for fighting (5 minutes)
- Nikita Nikitin (columbus) - served by Vinny Prospal: called for Unsportsmanlike conduct (2 minutes)
THIRD PERIOD BREAKDOWN:
The Blackhawks started the third period with a lead 3-2. Like any team the Blue Jackets were seeking to redeem themselves by scoring to tie and take the lead. Chicago was not ready to let them score any more goals tonight. By the half way mark of the 3rd period Chicago had already taken 9 shots on Columbus’s net. Columbus only had 2 shots on Chicago’s net. The Blackhawks were maintaining the zone and playing smart. About 13 minutes into the 3rd and final period, Columbus’s Ryan Johansen scored off of a Backhand assisted by N. Foligno & R. Umberger. The score is now 3-3 and is anyone’s game. Chicago especially needs to hold their ice at least until overtime so that they can “keep setting the record” Chicago had some amazing opportunities to net the puck, but just couldn’t get it done. Winding down the final seconds on the clock, neither team was able to score that last goal. Chicago will hold their record, but the game will go to an instant-death overtime.
PENALTY SUMMARY:
There were no penalties called during the 3rd period.
OVERTIME BREAKDOWN:
Instant-death overtime is a nerve wracking thing for all fans. With high hopes that their team will prevail and win the game by scoring first, anything can happen. The fans in the United Center were feeling the pressure just as much as the players. Some close chances for Columbus didn’t stop Chicago from dominating the ice. The Blackhawks had most control and had a mission to secure their win. A chance where BRANDON SAAD actually gloved the puck into the net and scored. (The goal did not count) Chicago was determined to win this game and that is exactly what they did. When Brent Seabrook scored off of a wrist shot assisted by team captain J. Toews & V. Stalberg. Chicago has won the game with a final score of 4-3.
The Blackhawks continue to “dominate” the NHL achieving a current record of 18-0-3. The Blackhawks play next this Sunday when they take on the Detroit Red Wings. Watch it on NBC or listen in live on WGN 720. It is sure to be a great game. Being an early game, the puck drops @ 11:30 AM CT. Go Hawks!
