CHICAGO — The Blackhawks have been pushed to the brink of elimination time and again during their seven-year run of excellence that has included five Western Conference finals appearances and two Stanley Cup championships. So often they have had an answer, summoning, as if by magic, a spectacular goal, a stunning comeback or even just a bit of luck.
True to form, the Blackhawks delivered under pressure in Game 6 at United Center on Wednesday, outlasting the Anaheim Ducks, 5-2, and forcing Game 7 on Saturday in California.
In a series that has featured goals scored in flurries — the Ducks scoring three in 37 seconds in Game 4 and Jonathan Toews striking twice within 72 seconds in Game 5 — the Blackhawks broke open a scoreless game with three quick strikes midway through the second period.