CHICAGO, (OTHL) - Jeremy Roenick scored the game winner in game 7 against St Louis, a goal that was assisted by Duncan Keith. In the first game of the 2008 final, the two once again combined for a goal, this time it was the first goal of the game. And it gave Chicago a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes, in front of 20,500 fans in the United Center. And the fans got more to cheer about as Teemu Selänne (9) made it 2-0 early in the second period.
The Penguins took a time-out, and it was a wise decision as the time-out calmed the crowd but also got the visitors going. The Penguins went all out and threw everything they had on Ed Belfour and the Hawks. And it worked, 23 shots later the Penguins had drew even as Brian Rolston (8) and Micahel Nylander (4) scored one each.
And Nylander stayed hot as he scored early in the third, putting the Penguins ahead for the first time in the game. And now the fans was not only quiet, but also quite nervous. But a goal from Mattias Norström (3) gave the home fans something to cheer about. A goal that turned out to be the last goal scored in regulation.
So the first game of the final series, was to be decided in overtime. And who showed up once again, if not Duncan Keith who jumped up in the play and created a mismatch with the Penguins defense. Keith picked up a pass from Yashin and scored the winner, 8:36 into the first overtime period.
"The games I missed gave me a chance to watch the game from the side, something that has helped me. I feel even more comfortable out on the ice now. I now realize that you can jump into the play a bit more. Something I was a bit hesitant about earlier in the season." - Keith said after the game.
"You have to give credit to Ed Belfour. He stood on his head all game long, and he really gave them a chance to win. But we will be back in game 2." - Vincent Lecavalier said after the game. Lecavalier left the game without a point, despite playing 28 minutes and dishing out 7 hits.
Pittsburgh at. Chicago 3-4 (ot) BOXSCORE
Game Stars
Michael Nylander (PIT)
Ed Belfour (CHI)
Mattias Norstrom (CHI)