Vancouver Canucks v Chicago Blackhawks Game 3

Vancouver came into Chicago after taking a 2-0 lead early in the series. Vancouver had been impressive on home ice and Chicago really needed to find ways of scoring goals and shutting down the Canucks.

Chicago started well in the first 6 minutes, getting players in front of the net and getting shots on Luongo.

A penalty at 6.09 gave Chicago the 1st powerplay and about 6 seconds into it they took the lead. Keith got the puck on the point after a faceoff win by and he rifled it gloveside on Luongo.
The first lead of the series for the Blackhawks and the intensity of the game grew as the crowd got vocal during the first 10 minutes.

A huge hit from Hamhuis around the 10 minute mark tried to spark the Canucks but Torres followed it up seconds later with a bad hit on the boards and he was called for
A penalty then on Bieksa for elbowing gave the Blackhawks well over a minute of 5 on 3 powerplay.
Luongo stood firm and killed off the remaining powerplay time, pulling off 3 huge saves on Kane and Sharp.

The Blackhawks held that lead going into the 2nd period but Vancouver came back hitting 2 goals in under a minute almost half way through the game.

First it was Ehrhoff assisted by both the Sedin's at 10.03, a blast from the Stanley Cup Playoff Logo and then it was Daniel Sedin picking up a feed across the crease fom Edler to send a wrist shot past Crawford.

Less than 2 minutes later Sharp had Chicago level on a powerplay goal, scoring from the right hash mark after a feed by Toews. The talking point of the game was the hit that led to this powerplay. Torres was back in the lineup after being suspended for the last 4 games for a hit to the head and he obviously hadn't learned. He clattered into Seabrook, seeming to again deliver a hit to the head. A 2 minute interference call was made with it looking clearly like a 5 minute major and another ban for Torres. Seabrook went and had the now mandated test to check for concussion but was almost straight back into the game.

The game winner came in the 3rd period with Samuelsson firing a backhander past Crawford at 6.48 to send the Canucks 3-0 up in the series and it now looks a long way back for Chicago.

The NHL today stood by the decision taken in the game and backed the 2 minute penalty on Torres and not banning him further. He did not charge his opponent or leave his feet to deliver this check. He did not deliver an elbow or extended forearm and this hit was not 'late'. For these reasons Torres will be available to play in what is now a crucial game for the Blackhawks. At best they can only look to avoid the sweep.