Hawks Advance to Conference Finals

(AP) Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI

In a stunning turn of events the Chicago Blackhawks upset the Western Conference Central Division winning Detroit Red Wings in 7 games. In doing do the 'hawks surprised not only this writer but other followers of the Great Lakes Hockey League to be sure. The game was not without it's drama as it took overtime to decide yet another contest in this barnburner of a series between two heated rivals!
In all, 11 goals were scored in the Gm7 with netminders Turco (Det) facing off against Halak (Chi). During the contest Turco stopped 35 of 31 shots lauched by the hawks, while Halak (left) turned aside 38 of 43 shots in an equal goaltending performance. Turco was supposed to be the difference with Huet injured for the 'hawks but Halak put in a performance that had the 'hawks faithful in attendance ecstatic.
Six different Blackhawks scored during the contest. Likewise 5 different players scored for the Red Wings. Scoring for the 'hawks were Stevie Kariya (2) 04:38 of the 1st, Roenick (12) 04:47 of the 1st, Jagr (3) 04:24 of the 2nd, Hrdina (6) at 14:43 of the 2nd, Parrish (3) at 16:33 of the 3rd, with Foote (2) scoring the game winner at 05:03 of OT on a shot from the point that was screened by Shanny. Assists went to Jagr and Shanny on the game winner.
Scoring for the Wings were Fedorov (3) at 10:42 of the 1st, Lindros (3) at 10:35 of the 2nd, Hejduk (7) at 12:04 of the 2nd, Zetterberg (3) at 18:22 of the 2nd and Malhotra (1st) at 15:14 of the 3rd. As you can see the score went back and forth during the entire game. What was even more remarkable is that the 'hawks still managed to win with the Red Wings going 3 for 5 on the power play! All of the 'hawks goals came during even strength situations and they didn't have one pp during the entire game!
Windy City Ramblings
What certainly had a major impact in the outcome of the game was a freak injury to stalwart blueliner Chris Pronger of the Red Wings when stepping onto the ice for his first shift of the game! What exactly transpired is still a mystery. No injury report has been forthcoming from the Detroit front office in the aftermath of the loss. Also injured during the game was blueliner Mike Komisarek of the Wings after logging 17 minutes of ice time. As a result the Red Wings defense corps was decimated and finsihed the game with only 4 defensemen. These injuries, unfortunately, had a major impact on the outcome of the contest.
"Hey", GM Poelker of the Blackhawks said, "We don't like to win that way. No one does. But that's part of our great game and the 'hawks will certainly take it. We offer our congratulations to a formidable foe, The Red Wings of Detroit."
The 'hawks will face another formidable foe in the Western Conference Finals. That being the defending GLHL Cup Champion Minnesota Wild of GM and Coach Blake Wendt.
Blackhawks Huet and Tucker will be suiting up for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Can the 'hawks win again without home ice advantage? Stay tuned........