BLACKHAWKS RALLY IN 3RD; FALL TO ROCKIES IN OVERTIME

Oh so close! Hosting Colorado on Saturday night, the Blackhawks dug themselves into a large hole, trailing 5-2 after 40 minutes before storming back in the 3rd period to tie the game. But it wasn't meant to be. Petr Klima scored on the powerplay in OT to win it for the Rockies.

Chicago wasn't planning to take a period off against one of the league's top teams, but their plans went out the window early as they allowed Petr Svoboda to score on the first shot of the game. Steve Yzerman scored back-to-back goals later in the 1st period to make it 3-0 Rockies at intermission. The shots were 10-7 for the visitors.

The Blackhawks started slowly in the 2nd, however, they were able to shift the momentum later in the period. Colorado outshot Chicago 12-7 but were only able to get two past the goalie. Mario Tremblay scored on the powerplay four minutes in and then Yzerman completed his hat trick just past the halfway mark. As mentioned, things improved as the period went on. Barry Pederson and Rich Pilon scored for the Hawks to cut the lead to 5-2.

The Blackhawks really found their game in the 3rd period. They fired 14 shots on goal and had possession in the attacking zone for long stretches, which helped limit the Rockies to only 9 shots. Luke Richardson banged one home at 2:43 and then Ari Haanpaa scored twice in a row to knot the game at 5-5. The barn was rocking after Haanpaa's second goal completed a huge comeback for the Hawks.

Unfortunately game was settled by Colorado at 3:48 of overtime with Klee in the penalty box for elbowing. It was the only goal allowed by Nikolai Khabibulin on 13 shots after replacing an ineffective Rick Tabaracci halfway through the 2nd period. Kelly Hrudey was awarded the win after being yanked for Dwayne Roloson at 11:43 of the 3rd period.

With the loss, Chicago has now lost four games in a row. They will look to break the streak in another tough matchup on Sunday in Vancouver.

WGN Radio Chicago