Blackhawks Fall to Ducks In Overtime, 3-2

The Chicago Blackhawks were hoping for a boost to their lineup tonight as Artemi Panarin was back tonight from being ill as they took on a hot Anaheim Ducks team, who since Christmas, was 14-4-2.  Brent Seabrook's two goals and Corey Crawford's 41 saves were not enough to beat the Ducks as the Hawks fell in overtime, 3-2.

The 1st period was dominated by defense.  Neither team scored, but Anaheim had more scoring chances.  Crawford had to make a few tough saves to keep the game scoreless.  The Ducks outshot the Hawks in the period, 13-7.

In the 2nd, the defensive play continued.  With 5 minutes remaining in the period, Hampus Lindholm hip-checked Marian Hossa and he landed awkwardly into the boards.  Richard Panik replaced Hossa and on the following shift, he drew a penalty.  On that power play, Brent Seabrook blasted a shot that was saved by Ducks' goalie, John Gibson.  The rebound wound up going back to Seabrook who didn't miss the second time around to put the Blackhawks up 1-0, heading into the 3rd period.

Jakob Silfverberg got the Ducks on the scoreboard during some 4-on-4 hockey 5 minutes into the 3rd period.  Not long after, the Blackhawks having trouble in their own zone again, lost possession and David Perron snapped a shot from the slot past Crawford to give the Ducks a 2-1 lead.  With 8 minutes remaining in regulation, it was Seabrook again with a blast that deflected off a defenseman that found the back of the net to tie the game at 2.

So for the 3rd time this year, the Hawks and Ducks went to overtime.  After not capitalizing on a breakaway, Patrick Kane took a Too Many Men On The Ice penalty, yes it was 3-on-3, and they still somehow took that penalty, amazing and as stupid as that sounds.  The ducks took advantage of it and Ryan Getzlaf beat an outstretched Crawford for the game-winner.

Notable mentions: Brent Seabrook's two goals gives him a new career high in goals scored for a season (10).  Marian Hossa did not return after being hip-checked in the 2nd period.  Joel Quenneville said that his injury was not worthy of a long period off.  

Three Stars Of The Game
1st - ANA - Ryan Getzlaf ~ (1G 1A)
2nd - CHI - Brent Seabrook ~ (2G), 5 shots, 4 hits, 5 blocks
3rd - ANA - Ryan Kesler ~ 1A, 8 shots

Next Game: Monday, February 15th, Home vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:30CT

Previous meetings this year:
Chicago Blackhawks - 4 at Toronto Maple Leafs - 1

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!