Canucks down Blackhawks 5-3 to open series - ABA DSS

**buddyjh** · May 1st, 2009

VANCOUVER (Reuters) - The Vancouver Canucks gave up a three-goal lead but still delivered the opening blow in their second-round playoff series with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.
Sami Salo followed a shot from team mate Steve Bernier for the go-ahead goal with just 1:13 remaining before Ryan Johnson added an empty-netter as the Canucks took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Vancouver, who swept past the St. Louis Blues in the first round, improved to 5-0 in the postseason but not before some nervous moments down the stretch.
Trailing 3-0 heading into the third period, Chicago's Patrick Kane scored twice in a span of 10 minutes and Dave Bolland added his first goal of the playoffs to erase the deficit at 14:31 in the third.
Bolland's game-tying score came as the Blackhawks were on the attack, and the Canucks on their heals. The Chicago center gathered a shot by Duncan Keith with his backhand and sent a forehand past Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo.
Luongo finished with 28 saves and cruised through the first two periods as the Canucks built an advantage on scores from Pavol Demitra, Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler.
Game Two is on Saturday in Vancouver.
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Nick Mulvenney)

**johnnybluedawg** · May 1st, 2009

thanks buddy,,was a good game,,if vancouver had not tried sitting on the 3 goal lead,,it may not of been so close of finish,, they tried to protect the lead,,and it almost cost them the game,,chicago showed alot of heart ,,not throwing in the towel being down 3 goals, and fighting back to tie the game ,,

**rj4285** · May 1st, 2009

Absolutely correct. Give Chicago Kudos for their effort in the third. I'm a canuck fan and it kills me to see this team sit on their heals like they did for 15 minutes and let Chicago dance around them. Blackhawks have too much talent to do that...Wake up and play a full 60 minutes Vancouver!

**Tbass** · May 1st, 2009

I thought if Chicago was going to win one on the road, game 1 was the best chance. I can see this going 6 or 7 games! It's nice to see my Blackhawks back in the playoffs. I missed it!!!

**black hawks** · May 1st, 2009

The Blackhawks stay out of the box and play 60 minutes Canucks Look Out!.......GO Hawks GO!

**RICKSBEACH** · May 1st, 2009

It was a great game!!.
I was up at a local pub watching the game everyone went wild when Salo scored the winning goal..
I miss my Leafs...