Frederik Andersen continued his dominant run in this postseason as he stopped 27 of 28 shots as the Ducks won 2-1 and took a 2-1 lead in the series. Even with five power plays for the Blackhawks, Andersen stood firm after the grueling triple overtime loss two nights ago.
After a relatively quiet first two games, Ryan Getzlaf assisted on both Anaheim goals. Patrick Kane scored his first goal of the series for Chicago, but it was not enough.
Anaheim jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on their only power play of the game as Patrick Maroon tipped a slapshot from Hampus Lindholm past Corey Crawford at 12:55 of the first. Kane tied it later in the first with a spinning backhand shot in the final minute of the period.
After playing nearly the entire second period without a goal, the Ducks got the go ahead goal as Simon Despres scored with just 55 seconds left in the second.
In the third, Chicago outshot the Ducks 10-5, including two great chances—one from Jonathan Toews and one from Brandon Saad in the waning minutes of the period. But Andersen continued to be absolutely unflappable, now having allowed just 23 goals in 12 playoff games this postseason.
Chicago made two interesting lineup adjustments for game three - Kris Versteeg and Joakim Nordstrom both dressed while Antoine Vermette and Teuvo Teravainen sat. Without Vermette Chicago lost a great face-off guy and Teravainen provides offense on the lower lines; both of which could have been used in this game instead of two more grinders.
Game four will be on Saturday night in Chicago.