Patrick Kane had the puck on his stick, only seconds left in regulation, with a chance to send Game 3 to overtime. He missed, just barely, his shot sliding off the outside of the post.
And from there, the Anaheim Ducks were able to hold off the Chicago Blackhawks to take Thursday’s game by a final score of 2-1, which now also happens to be Anaheim’s lead in this Western Conference Final.
Sorry, no marathon overtime.
Simon Despres had never scored a Stanley Cup playoff goal before Thursday. His slap shot blast that beat Corey Crawford in the final minute of the second period stood as the winner. Talk about perfect timing.
Via Elias: @Despres747 is 3rd @AnaheimDucks d-man to have 1st career playoff goal count as GWG (Karpa 1997 CQF, Sauer 2003 CF). #ANAvsCHI
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 22, 2015
The Blackhawks had their chances, but couldn’t take advantage.
They had five power play opportunities and were unsuccessful with each and every one of them. They are now 2-for-13 in the series. Their only goals with the advantage were in Game 2.
Chicago’s top players are also struggling to produce offensively so far in this series.
Kane did score late in the opening period for his first goal and point of this series. Jonathan Toews has only one point -- an assist in Game 2. Marian Hossa has only one point. Patrick Sharp doesn’t have a point in four games.
It’s something to keep an eye on for Game 4 on Saturday.