It only took for games for the Chicago Blackhawks to down the top-seeded San Jose Sharks and earn their first trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 18 years.
“It doesn’t get any better,” said defenseman Duncan Keith in an interview after the game. “This is what we play for and dream of since we’re kids. It’s going to be a hell of a time and we’re going to have a lot of fun.”
Dustin Byfuglien scored the go-ahead goal for the Blackhawks as the team rallied back from an early 2-0 deficit in the game. The third-period power play goal by Byfuglien was his second game-winning goal in as many games for the Blackhawks. An empty net goal by Kris Versteeg solidified the 4-2 victory for the Blackhawks. Dave Bolland and Brent Seabrook also scored for the Blackhawks and goaltender Antti Niemi made just 16 saves for the victory.
San Jose head coach Todd McLellan gave kudos to the Blackhawks for their hard-fought win.
“They certainly deserved the series,” McLellan said. “I thought we played hard with them. We competed with them. You know, we battled. We were in every minute of every game, but we were the second-place team.”
The Blackhawks will now turn their attention to winning their first Stanley Cup since 1961. The team may know as soon as tomorrow night who their opponent will be in the Stanley Cup Finals as the Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadeins meet for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Flyers are currently up 3-1 in the series.
