Jonathan Toews Leads Blackhawks to Big Game 2 Victory Over Flames

Game Recap

Coming into game two of the first round series between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Calgary Flames, many believed that the Blackhawks would come out with more intensity than they did in the first game. Well, they were wrong.

The Blackhawks came out and were dominated physically and on the score sheet as they were out hit 21 to 12 in the first period and headed into the second period down 2-0 after goals by the Flames Adrian Aucoin and Jarome Iginla.

Whatever Coach Joel Quenneville said to the team during the first intermission, it seemed to work as just 46 seconds into the second period captain Jonathan Toews would net his first career playoff goal on the power play. From that goal on, the Blackhawks had all the momentum on their side.

After a big penalty killed for a delay of game penalty the Blackhawks offense continued to roll as Patrick Kane would make a beautiful back handed pass to Patrick Sharp who would maneuver around Mikka Kiprusoff and put the puck in the back of the net.

But just under 30 seconds after tying the game at two the Blackhawks Kris Versteeg would take a foolish penalty in the offensive zone, so once again the 'Hawks penalty kill would need to step up and they would.

After killing off the penalty by Versteeg, the Blackhawks regained momentum and with just under 30 seconds left in the second period, Jonathan Toews would strike again with his second goal of the game.

Entering the second intermission the Blackhawks had all the momentum but would the play defensive like the Calgary Flames did on Thursday night or would continue to attack Mikka Kiprusoff. They would do the latter.

The Blackhawks would almost match the Flames' shots on goal in the third with nine shots on goal and spent plenty of time in the Calgary offensive zone.

Although the Flames did have better scoring chances in the third, Chicago goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin would turn aside everything that the Flames could throw at him, making some very memorable saves.

The Blackhawks will now travel to Calgary for game three and they must feel very confident after being able to stage comebacks in their first two games of the series against a playoff veteran team.

Three Stars of the Game

1. Jonathan Toews (Two Goals)

2. Jarome Iginla (One Goal and One Assist)

3. Nikolai Khabibulin (30 Saves)

Game Two's Unsung Hero

Dustin Byfuglien

Big Dustin Byfuglien played a huge role in tonight's victory over the Flames as he brought his physical game with seven hits and four shots.

Entering the series the Blackhawks realized that they would need to try and match the Flames hit for hit but with them being more of a speed and finesse team many believe that their inability to hit would hinder them but "Big Buff" has provided that hitting the 'Hawks lacked during the regular season.

News and Notes

Colin Fraser and Aaron Johnson were once again healthy scratches for game two against Calgary.

Patrick Sharp scored his first goal since March 31. Sharp has not been a consistent figure in the Blackhawks lineup all season but he provides the 'Hawks another potent weapon in the playoffs.