Blackhawks vs. Flames: Chicago Gets Big Win In Return to Playoffs

Game Recap

It was a game that the Calgary Flames had in their back pocket entering the final six minutes of play, but at the 5:30 mark of the third, the Chicago Blackhawks' Martin Havlat decided to change that. Havlat scored his first goal of the playoffs on his own rebound at the 5:33 mark for the third period, and from that point on, the 'Hawks had all the energy.

Early in the game, the Blackhawks seemed to lose every battle in the corners and were just out matched physically by the experienced Calgary Flames. Call it nervous jitters or inexperience, but the Blackhawks were out matched in the first 50 minutes of the game. 

The Flames' physicality was prevalent early and caught the 'Hawks off guard, but as the game progressed, the 'Hawks picked up their physical game and ended the game out-hitting the Flames. 

The Blackhawks' confidence grew every period they played, and as coach Quenneville stated before the game, the young 'Hawks learned on the fly. 

When Martin Havlat was able to tie the game with his goal, you could see the Blackhawks' confidence rise, and they had all the momentum heading into the overtime period that ended in some controversy. 

In the overtime period, center Dave Bolland was able to pick off a cross-ice pass from Jordan Leopold and set Martin Havlat up for the overtime winner, but it seemed as though goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff was interfered with by a Blackhawks player.

After looking over the tape, it seemed as though Chicago forward Andrew Ladd was shoved into Kiprusoff by defenseman Jordan Leopold. 

With the win, the Blackhawks take a 1-0 lead into Game Two on Saturday at the United Center. Now, 99 percent of the Blackhawks players have playoff experience, and in Game Two, they will be better prepared for the intensity of the playoffs. 

Three Stars of the Game

1. Martin Havlat (Two Goals)

2. Mike Cammalleri (One Goal)

3. Cam Barker (One Goal, One Assist)

Unsung Player of the Game

Samuel Pahlsson

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Pahlsson for this very reason—shut down other teams' top-lines, and Thursday night that was true. He also was terrific at the face-off dot, winning 57.1 percent of his face-offs.

If Pahlsson can continue to shut down the Jokinen/Iginla line in the playoffs, then he gives the 'Hawks the best chance to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

News and Notes

The Flames Mike Cammalleri's hit to the head of Martin Havlat will likely be reviewed by the NHL. This hit was very similar to Dan Carcillo's hit on Maxim Talbot in the first round game between the Flyers and Penguins. 

If you didn't get a chance to see Cammalleri's hit on Havlat you can check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g_r0xcKVIY