Hello, Game 7.
The Western Conference finals will go the distance after the Blackhawks staved off a furious Ducks comeback and held on for a 5-2 win in Game 6. And yes, only in this series would a team be required to hold on in a 5-2 win.
MORE: Must-see photos from the series | NHL video | Times, TV for Game 7s
With all the multiple-overtime games and timely playoff goals it has seen, it's only appropriate the series will take seven games to decide. Wednesday was more of the same, when Chicago nearly forfeited its 3-0 second-period lead after the Ducks took the third period by storm — something to which they have grown accustomed in this postseason.
Duncan Keith played 28:35 in the game, assisting on each of the Blackhawks' three goals in the second period. One of those goals was scored by Patrick Kane, who now has 10 in the playoffs.
A tense, scoreless first period eventually gave way to what was a crazy second.
Brandon Saad opened the game's scoring 8:23 into the period. Marian Hossa made it 2-0, Blackhawks, two minutes later and Kane followed that up with another goal 12:08 into the second. That was about when Anaheim's depth kicked in and the Blackhawks' tired defense began to show some wear.
Before long, after Patrick Maroon made it 3-1 by intermission and Clayton Stoner scored to bring the Ducks to within one goal 1:57 into the third period, it appeared the Blackhawks would need to hold on for dear life to avoid elimination.
The Ducks came out for the third period and fired nine shots on goal through the first 9:30 before the Blackhawks managed another one. But Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford held strong as his defense failed him, turning aside wave after wave of Ducks shooters intent on tying the game.
The Blackhawks' survival skills eventually kicked in and Andrew Shaw scored to make it 4-2 with 3:32 remaining. Shaw then added an empty-netter to ensure a Game 7 on Saturday at Anaheim's Honda Center (8 p.m., NBCSN).
It will be the first time since 2000 both conference finals series will be decided in a Game 7. The Rangers and Lightning will play theirs Friday in the Eastern Conference finals.
Crawford finished the game with 30 saves with the Ducks outshooting the Blackhawks, 32-23. Anaheim also landed 43 hits compared to Chicago's 38. The Blackhawks, though, dominated the faceoff battle 33-17.
This was the Ducks' first regulation loss of the playoffs.
Highlights: Kane's goal — the Blackhawks' third — was one to admire.
Patrick Kane's hands are so sick we may need a doctor. #ANAvsCHI #StanleyCup https://t.co/0uLO9h553m
— NHL (@NHL) May 28, 2015Friday's game: Eastern Conference finals Game 7, Lightning at Rangers, 8 p.m., NBCSN