Blackhawks Outlast Ducks in Penalty-Filled Battle

Anaheim, CA - In a game filled with intense physicality and numerous penalties, the Chicago Blackhawks emerged victorious with a hard-fought 5-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Despite the absence of powerplay goals from either team, the Blackhawks capitalized on key scoring opportunities to secure the win.

First Period: Ronning Leads the Charge

The Blackhawks got off to a strong start with Cliff Ronning finding the back of the net early in the first period. The Ducks responded with a shorthanded goal from Jeff Shantz, leveling the score heading into the intermission. Penalties were abundant, with both teams racking up infractions in a heated opening frame.

Second Period: Blackhawks Extend Lead

Cliff Ronning continued his stellar performance, notching his second goal of the game just 29 seconds into the second period, giving the Blackhawks the lead once again. Joe Sacco added to Chicago's lead with a late goal, further solidifying their advantage heading into the final period.

Third Period: Ducks Fight Back

The Ducks mounted a comeback effort in the third period, with Dale Hunter and Rich Brennan scoring to narrow the gap. Despite their efforts, the Blackhawks' defense held strong, limiting the Ducks' scoring opportunities and preserving the lead. Anaheim had no answer for Ronning, who scored in all three periods to record his first hat trick of the season. A late goal from Dave Morrison sealed the victory for Chicago.

Star Performances Shine Bright

Cliff Ronning's three-goal performance earned him the first star of the game, showcasing his offensive prowess for the Blackhawks. Dale Hunter's contributions for the Ducks, including a goal and an assist, earned him the second star, while Petr Nedved's strong play at both ends of the ice rounded out the trio as the third star.

Penalty-Filled Affair:

Penalties played a significant role throughout the game, with both teams spending considerable time in the penalty box. The physicality of the matchup led to numerous skirmishes and infractions, reflecting the intensity of the rivalry between the Blackhawks and Ducks.

Goaltending Duel:

Nikolai Khabibulin stood tall in net for the Blackhawks, turning away 23 of 26 shots to secure the win. On the Ducks' side, Tim Cheveldae made 21 saves on 26 shots in a losing effort, while Manny Fernandez stopped all five shots he faced in relief.

Looking Ahead:

With this hard-fought victory, the Blackhawks gain momentum as they continue their pursuit of success in the season. Meanwhile, the Ducks will regroup and look to bounce back from the defeat as they strive to turn their season around.

ESPN Radio Chicago