Bickell Lifts Blackhawks Over Wild in Playoff Opener
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Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images(CHICAGO) — The first night of the NHL playoffs was an exciting one for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Bryan Bickell scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lift the Blackhawks over Minnesota 2-1 in their playoff opener. The win gives the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
“We just needed to stay patient,” Bickell said. “We were getting our opportunities. Not odd-man rushes like they were, but we got the one, and to capitalize on it is huge. With our speed, through the whole season a lot of teams were trying to shut us down and let us get frustrated.”
Corey Crawford allowed the Wild to take a one to nothing lead in the first period, but settled down rather nicely after that. Marion Hossa tied the game with a second-period goal and both teams’ defenses took over for the remainder of regulation.
In the extra period, Bickell saw an opportunity for a two-on-rush and was able to get the puck past Minnesota netminder Josh Harding for the game-winning tally.
Game 2 is Friday night in Chicago.
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