That’s how the period would end and the third was more of the same — power plays for the Blackhawks and excellent penalty killing by the Canucks. They used that momentum to net the game-winner by Mikael Samuelsson. Once it was 3-2 with 12 minutes remaining, the Canucks checked the fading hometown heroes into submission. Their superior depth and sense of purpose was evident and the Blackhawks — and their fans — went out rather silently.
Yes, the ‘Hawks got the start they wanted, sort of. But the singularly focused Canucks ended with what they coveted, as well: A 3-0 series lead and a chance to sweep their tormentors from the last two playoff seasons on Tuesday night.