Blackhawks vs. Ducks: Three Key Players to a Chicago Game 2 Win
By James Neveau ••
The Chicago Blackhawks find themselves trailing in a series for the first time in the 2015 playoffs after dropping a 4-1 decision to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, but they have an opportunity to even things up on Tuesday night as the teams battle in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final.
In order to win the game, the Blackhawks will need some big performances out of a couple of key players, and we highlight three of them that must produce in Game 2 in southern California.
Bryan Bickell
Originally on the second line to start Game 1, Bickell found himself pushed up to the first line as Joel Quenneville looked to increase the speed quotient on the second line for the Hawks. The move didn’t ultimately pay off, as Bickell struggled to find his comfort zone against a Ducks team that is able to seamlessly mix physicality and speed.
Bickell has to find the right formula on Tuesday night if the Blackhawks are going to succeed. He has the ability to play with physicality and to still contribute offensively, and that balance will be key as he tries to contend with whatever defensive adjustments the Ducks are going to throw at him.
After David Rundblad didn’t exactly blow the doors off the place on Sunday night in California, Cumiskey is going to get a chance to make himself a fixture in the Hawks’ lineup as he slots in for Game 2. Cumiskey’s arrival does continue to make the Blackhawks a left-handed dominant team on the blue line, but it also adds an element of speed and defensive discipline to the proceedings.
That being said, Cumiskey has to get back up to NHL speed on the fly in this game. He hasn’t played in an NHL game in some time now, and he is going to be expected to play anywhere from 15 to 18 minutes in Game 2. That’s a tall order for any player, but he’ll have to really step up his game if the Blackhawks are going to have a good shot at winning this one.
Jonathan Toews
The Blackhawks’ captain was an offensive dynamo in the first two rounds of the playoffs, but he looked a bit more pedestrian in Game 1. Having to go up against top forwards and play well offensively is a tall task for any player, but Toews has shown in the past that he has the ability to do so and he’ll have to repeat that performance on Tuesday night.
The big area that Toews will have to contribute on is the power play. He is good at moving the puck and can also set up shop in front to create screens when necessary, and the Blackhawks will need him to fulfill both of those roles as they look to improve upon a subpar power play performance in Game 1.
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Antoine Vermette #80 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his third period goal with teammates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game One of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 3, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.
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Antoine Vermette #80 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his third period goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game One of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 3, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.
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Teuvo Teravainen #86 celebrates his third period goal with Duncan Keith #2 of the Chicago Blackhawks against the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game One of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 3, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.
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Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning checks Johnny Oduya #27 of the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period during Game One of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 3, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are skating toward a sixth Stanley Cup win. Here's a look at some of the playoff moments so far. The Chicago Blackhawks pose in front of the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl after the Blackhawks 5-3 victory against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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The Chicago Blackhawks pose in front of the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl after the Blackhawks 5-3 victory against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Jonathan Toews (19) of the Chicago Blackhawks shakes hands with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly as they stand in front of the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl after the Blackhawks 5-3 victory against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks and Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks shake hands after the Blackhawks 5-3 victory in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Patrick Sharp (10) of the Chicago Blackhawks shakes hands with Ryan Getzlaf (15) of the Anaheim Ducks after the Blackhawks 5-3 victory in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks in net in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs in Anaheim, California.
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Chicago Blackhawks fans cheer after the Blackhawks 5-3 victory against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Brent Seabrook (7) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his third period goal against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Head coach Joel Quenneville of the Chicago Blackhawks calls out in the first period against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Wild Wing is seen in the third period as the Anaheim Ducks take on the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Brandon Saad (20) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his second period goal with teammates against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Duncan Keith (2) of the Chicago Blackhawks shoots the puck ahead of Simon Despres (24) of the Anaheim Ducks in the second period in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Patrick Maroon (19) of the Anaheim Ducks falls back into the board alongside Duncan Keith (2) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Jonathan Toews (19) celebrates with Patrick Kane (88) after Toews scores in the first period against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Jiri Sekac (46) of the Anaheim Ducks with the puck against David Rundblad (5) and Brandon Saad (20) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the first period in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Jonathan Toews (19) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his second goal in the first period against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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A projection is seen on the ice before the start of Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Fans wait to enter prior to the start of Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center.
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Andrew Shaw (65) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates a third period goal against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks reacts against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Jonathan Toews (19) of the Chicago Blackhawks and Hampus Lindholm (47) of the Anaheim Ducks get tangled up in the first period of Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a save against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Brandon Saad (20) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates a second period goal against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Matt Beleskey (39) of the Anaheim Ducks reacts to a second period goal by Patrick Kane (88) of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Johnny Oduya (27) of the Chicago Blackhawks checks Matt Beleskey (39) of the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks lets in a goal in the second period by Marian Hossa (81) of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Patrick Maroon (19) of the Anaheim Ducks checks Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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The Chicago Blackhawks salute the crowd after defeating the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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The Chicago Blackhawks salute the crowd after defeating the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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The starting line up for the Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks stand on the ice during the singing of the National Anthem before playing in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Jonathan Toews (19) of the Chicago Blackhawks reacts after the Anaheim Ducks scored in overtime to win Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Matt Beleskey (39) of the Anaheim Ducks scored the game winning goal to win the game 5-4.
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Goaltender Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a dive save in traffic during the first period of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Anaheim Ducks during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Brandon Saad (20) and Duncan Keith (2) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates after goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks allows a goal by Jonathan Toews (19) (not pictured) in the third period of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Jonathan Toews (19) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates scoring his second goal in the third period with teammates in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Anaheim Ducks during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks reacts after allowing a goal by Teuvo Teravainen (86) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Ryan Kesler (17) of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his first period goal as goaltender Corey Crawford (50), Kyle Cumiskey (26) and Johnny Oduya (27) of the Chicago Blackhawks react in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Goaltender Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks reacts as the crowd cheers after Cam Fowler (4) of the Anaheim Ducks (not pictured) scored a goal in the first period of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Patrick Maroon (19) of the Anaheim Ducks gets the puck past goaltender Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks to score in the third period of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Matt Beleskey (39) of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates scoring the game winning overtime goal as he trips over goaltender Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks to win 5-4 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The Anaheim Ducks won the game 5-4 in overtime.
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Matt Beleskey (39) of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates under teammates after he scored the game winning overtime goal to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-4 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Fans take photos during warmups before the start of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals between the Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Fans take photos during warmups before the start of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals between the Anaheim Ducks and the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on after a first period goal by Brandon Saad (20) against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a save against the Anaheim Ducks in the first overtime period of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate a third period goal by Patrick Kane (88) against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Former Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko attends Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Ryan Getzlaf (15) of the Anaheim Ducks checks Andrew Shaw (65) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Corey Perry (10) celebrates his third period goal with Patrick Maroon (19) of the Anaheim Ducks against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Antoine Vermette (80) of the Chicago Blackhawks shoots the game winning goal in the second overtime period to defeat the Anaheim Ducks 5-4 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Antoine Vermette (80) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates after scoring the game winning goal in the second overtime period to defeat the Anaheim Ducks 5-4 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate after defeating the Anaheim Ducks 5-4 in double overtime in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Chicago Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk celebrates after defeating the Anaheim Ducks 5-4 in double overtime in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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The Chicago Blackhawks huddle in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Patrick Kane (88) of the Chicago Blackhawks takes a shot against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Jonathan Toews (19) of the Chicago Blackhawks sits on the ice in the third period after a stoppage in play against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Corey Perry (10) of the Anaheim Ducks reacts after a goal by Simon Despres (24) against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Andrew Shaw (65) of the Chicago Blackhawks reaches for a loose puck in the second period against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Fans watch warmups ahead of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Corey Perry (10) of the Anaheim Ducks skates with the puck as Johnny Oduya (27) of the Chicago Blackhawks defends in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a save against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Patrick Kane (88) of the Chicago Blackhawks brings the puck up the ice against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks looks on against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Fans watch warmups ahead of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Joakim Nordstrom (42) of the Chicago Blackhawks checks Corey Perry (10) of the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks tends net against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Two young fans hold up a sign before the start of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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Marcus Kruger (16) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates scoring the game winning goal over the Anaheim Ducks in triple overtime of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The Chicago Blackhawks won the game 3-2.
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Patrick Kane (88) of the Chicago Blackhawks stands on the ice during the singing of the national anthem before playing the Anaheim Ducks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Marcus Kruger (16) of the Chicago Blackhawks gets the puck past goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks to score the game winning goal in triple overtime of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The Chicago Blackhawks won the game 3-2 over the Anaheim Ducks.
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Marcus Kruger (16) of the Chicago Blackhawks is congratulated by teammates after they won the game 3-2 over the Anaheim Ducks in triple overtime of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Marcus Kruger (16) of the Chicago Blackhawks is congratulated by teammates after they won the game 3-2 over the Anaheim Ducks in triple overtime of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Andrew Shaw (65) of the Chicago Blackhawks hits the puck in the net with his head past goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks in the second overtime of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The goal was called back.
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Referee Kevin Pollock (33) signals no goal after Andrew Shaw (65) of the Chicago Blackhawks (not pictured) headed the puck into the net against the Anaheim Ducks during the second overtime of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Joel Quenneville of the Chicago Blackhawks talks to his team during a time out in the first period against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Johnny Oduya (27) of the Chicago Blackhawks checks Rickard Rakell (67) of the Anaheim Ducks in the second period of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks looks up at the score board while playing the Chicago Blackhawks in the third overtime of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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A Chicago Blackhawks fan attends Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Clayton Stoner (3) of the Anaheim Ducks shoves Andrew Shaw (65) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the face in the first period of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Anaheim Ducks fans cheer on their team in the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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A shot by Marian Hossa (81) of the Chicago Blackhawks gets past goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks in the first period of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Andrew Cogliano (7) of the Anaheim Ducks watches the puck get past goaltender Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the first period of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Andrew Shaw (65) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his goal against goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks with teammate Patrick Kane (88) in the first period of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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The score board shows period six during the triple overtime of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on in Anaheim, California. Marcus Kruger (16) scored the game winning goal for the Blackhawks to defeat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2.
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Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks fans attend Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Kyle Palmieri (21) of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates in front of Patrick Kane (88) of the Chicago Blackhawks after teammate Nate Thompson (not pictured) scores in the third period of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center.
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Goaltender Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks reacts as Nate Thompson (44) of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his goal in the third period of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center.
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Jonathan Toews (19) of the Chicago Blackhawks congratulates teammate Brad Richards (91) on is goal in the second period of Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center.
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Brad Richards (91) of the Chicago Blackhawks scores on goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) of the Anaheim Ducks in the second period of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center.
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Andrew Shaw (65) of the Chicago Blackhawks and Josh Manson (42) of the Anaheim Ducks get tangled at the boards in the first period of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center.
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Brad Richards (91) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates a goal during the second period of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center.
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Kyle Palmieri (21) of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his second period goal with teammates as goaltender Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks reacts in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center.
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Simon Despres (24) of the Anaheim Ducks slides into the net past goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) and teammate Cam Fowler (4) in the first period of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center.
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The Chicago Blackhawks starting line up stand on the ice during the national anthem before playing the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center.
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Jonathan Toews (19), Patrick Kane (88) and the Chicago Blackhawks leave the ice after being defeated by the Anaheim Duck with the score of 4-1 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center.
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Devan Dubnyk (40) and Nate Prosser (39) of the Minnesota Wild react as Bryan Bickell (29) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates a goal by teammate Brent Seabrook (7) during the first period in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Andrew Shaw (65) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates scoring a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Chicago Blackhawks fans celebrate a goal by Andrew Shaw (65) of the Chicago Blackhawks against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate a win against the Minnesota Wild of Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-3 to sweep the series.
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Brad Richards (91) and Bryan Bickell (29) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate a goal by teammate Patrick Kane (88) during the third period in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-3 to sweep the series.
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Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks blocks a shot by Jordan Schroeder (10) of the Minnesota Wild during the third period in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-3 to sweep the series.
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Nino Niederreiter (22) of the Minnesota Wild checks Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) of the Chicago Blackhawks into the boards during the third period in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-3 to sweep the series.
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Devan Dubnyk (40) of the Minnesota Wild looks on along with Bryan Bickell (29) of the Chicago Blackhawks and Ryan Suter (20) of the Minnesota Wild as the shot by Patrick Kane (88) of the Chicago Blackhawks passes the goal line during the third period in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-3 to sweep the series.
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Michal Rozsival (32) of the Chicago Blackhawks lays on the ice after an injury during the second period in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Wild during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Bryan Bickell (29) of the Chicago Blackhawks checks Kyle Brodziak (21) of the Minnesota Wild into the boards during the third period in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bickell was called for a boarding penalty on the play. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-3 to sweep the series.
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Marco Scandella (6) of the Minnesota Wild takes the puck after a face-off between Antoine Vermette (80) of the Chicago Blackhawks and Mikko Koivu (9) of the Minnesota Wild during the second period in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Corey Crawford (50) of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a stick save against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0.
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Mikael Granlund (64) and Devan Dubnyk (40) of the Minnesota Wild react after a goal by Patrick Kane (88) of the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0.
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Ryan Suter (20) of the Minnesota Wild and Teuvo Teravainen (86) of the Chicago Blackhawks fall to the ice during the third period in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0.
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Patrick Sharp (10) of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck against Matt Dumba (55) of the Minnesota Wild during the third period in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0.
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Teuvo Teravainen (86), Patrick Sharp (10), Antoine Vermette (No. 80) & Brent Seabrook (7) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate Sharp's third period goal against the Minnesota Wild in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 1. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-1.
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Patrick Sharp (10) of the Chicago Blackhawks gets the puck past Devan Dubnyk (40) of the Minnesota Wild for a third period goal in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 1. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-1.
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Patrick Kane (88) of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck in the third period in front of Mikko Koivu (9) of the Minnesota Wild in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 1. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-1.
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Andrew Desjardins (11) of the Chicago Blackhawks shoots the puck in the third period against the Minnesota Wild in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 1. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-1.
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Jonathan Toews (19) of the Chicago Blackhawks gets the puck past Mikko Koivu (9) and Devan Dubnyk (40) of the Minnesota Wildnfor a second period goal in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 1.
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Patrick Kane (88), Duncan Keith (No. 2), Andrew Desjardins (11), Niklas Hjalmarsson (No. 4) and Marcus Kruger (16) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate Kane's second period goal against the Minnesota Wild in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.
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A fan with a foam puck hat walks in the United Center before Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild.
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Matt Dumba (55) of the Minnesota Wild hits Marian Hossa (81) of the Chicago Blackhawks along the boards in Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 1 at the United Center.
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Johnny Oduya (27) of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck as he gets shoved by Charlie Coyle (3) of the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 1.
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Duncan Keith (2) of the Chicago Blackhawks knocks down Taylor Beck (41) of the Nashville Predators and steals the puck in Game 6 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 25.
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The Chicago Blackhawks congratulate Antoine Vermette (80) after scoring his first goal as a Blackhawk against the Nashville Predators in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 21. The Blackhawks defeated the Predators 3-2 in the third overtime.
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Matt Cullen (7) of the Nashville Predators dives to make a save against Duncan Keith (2) of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 21. The Blackhawks defeated the Predators 3-2 in the third overtime.
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Matt Cullen (7) of the Nashville Predators chases the puck along the boards against the Nashville Predators in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 21. The Blackhawks defeated the predators 3-2 in triple overtime.
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Linesman Ryan Galloway (82) gets in between Matt Cullen (7) of the Nashville Predators and Jonathan Toews (19) of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 21.
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Scott Darling (33) of the Chicago Blackhawks reacts after allowing a first period goal to Mike Ribeiro (63) of the Nashville Predatorsnin Game 3 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 19.
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Patrick Sharp (10) of the Chicago Blackhawks fires a shot past Mattias Ekholm (14) of the Nashville Predators in the third period of Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 15.
