The Chicago Blackhawks were fortunate to be included in the NHL’s 24-team restart as a 12-seed, and they’re making the most of the opportunity so far.
The Blackhawks and the fifth-seeded Edmonton Oilers entered Game 3 of the Qualifying Round with the series tied 1-1. Edmonton had a 3-2 lead with under six minutes remaining, when a Matthew Highmore deflection found the net to tie the game.
Ohhhhhh you better be awake now! This game is tied.
Get to @NBCSChicago or stream here: https://t.co/5Fh2WVMIU9 pic.twitter.com/62DYkIX5Je
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) August 6, 2020
And with just over a minute to go, Jonathan Toews was credited with the go-ahead goal on a deflection.
THE CAPTAIN. LET'S GO. pic.twitter.com/7UqOmZz4xM
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) August 6, 2020
Connor Murphy's shot goes off Ethan Bear's stick then maybe Jonathan Toews and into the net with 1:27 remaining to give the #Blackhawks a 4-3 lead against the #Oilers. pic.twitter.com/yk9p631lRK
— Brandon Cain (@brandonmcain) August 6, 2020
The Blackhawks were able to hold off the Oilers in the final minute and hang on for a 4-3 victory to take a 2-1 series lead.
Toews — Chicago’s longtime captain and a three-time Stanley Cup champion — has scored two goals in each Blackhawks victory in the series (Chicago had a 6-4 win in Game 1). The game-winner is his 11th playoff game-winning goal, tying him with Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull, and teammate Patrick Kane for the most playoff playoff game-winning goals in Blackhawks history.
History.#OCaptain pic.twitter.com/rJro0oqrFy
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) August 6, 2020
So, the Blackhawks now get two chances — if Game 5 is necessary — to pull off the upset in the best-of-five-series. Game 4 will be Friday night at 6:45 p.m. ET.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at Awful Announcing and The Comeback.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@awfulannouncing.com.