Hawks get a Significant Win

The Blackhawks had lost three straight coming into a couple games against Anaheim and Detroit. It was a three game losing streak with what seemed like an opponents' option for five.

Patrick Sharp scored late in the first period to give the Hawks a lead going into the first intermission. Then the Ducks tied it up in the second when Selanne scored. Chris Pronger gave the Ducks the lead less than a minute into the third period and the Ducks started to shut things down for Chicago. Anaheim has turned this into an art the past few seasons. They control the puck and get physical when they don't have it, making it seem like you have no chance to score.

When Anaheim went on the power play with just under eight minutes left, it looked like they had a chance to put the game away. However, Ryan Getzlaf picked up a slashing penalty about halfway into the power play to make it 4-on-4. Chicago took advantage and showed that these are not your 2007-08 Blackhawks.

Duncan Keith jumped into the play, took a pass from Kris Versteeg, then fed Martin Havlat for a one-timer to tie the game. After most of the period was dominated by Anaheim, Chicago had stolen the momentum. With 1:35 left in the game, Versteeg made a great pass through the crease and found Jonathan Toews open for the game winner. Cristobal Huet, who made great saves all night, made one last point blank stop and the Hawks added an empty net goal for the 4-2 win.

This is the kind of win that gives you confidence the rest of the season. Sure, Giguere wasn't in net for the Ducks, but to come back against a team of this caliber after you've lost three straight lets you know that it can be done again.