CHICAGO, (OTHL) - The Chicago Blackhawks had there backs against the wall going into game five against St Louis. And considering how the Hawks played the last time St Louis was in the United Center, the fans had all the reasons in the world to feel a bit nervous as the puck was dropped. St Louis who won both game one and two in the series, had the ball in there court as they traveled up to Chicago to close the series.
But a solid game from the Hawks scoring lines, and a game winner from Joe Sakic in the third period, saved the Hawks from elimination, for now at least. Alexei Yashin (2), Alexander Ovechkin (7) and Joe Sakic (9) scored one each in the third periods, while Martin St. Louis (7) scored the lone St Louis goal in this 3-1 game.
”We played a desperate game today, we knew we had to win and we did that. Now we go down to St Louis and we will try and force a game seven.” - Chicago captain Joe Sakic said after the game.
The Blues did not only lose the game, they also lost Francois Beauchemin and Derian Hatcher to injuries in the game. Both are set to miss the reminder of the playoffs. Beachemin with a hernia and Hatcher with a groin injury.
”It is always though to lose two players in a game, and specially when we are talking two good defenders like Frank (Beauchemin) and Derian (Hatcher). But we have other guys ready to step up and help out.” - Martin St. Louis said after the game.