bargames

The Chicago Blackhawks played the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night and, what may have seemed like an uninteresting game, turned out to be a thrilling last-minute shootout victory for the Blackhawks. Both teams were tied at three goals apiece going into the overtime period, but were unable to score at all during the additional five minutes.

After the overtime period ended and the shootout began, the Wild attempted to strike first, as Matt Cullen took a shot at the net. Thankfully for Chicago fans, the goal was saved by Ray Emery, who the Blackhawks coach had named the starter just a week before. Emery went on to save a second Minnesota goal, attempted by Dany Heatley during the shootout before Chicago’s Danny Kane started off down the ice for the final shootout possession.

Rather than race down the ice and go for a sudden strike, Kane slowed down to a crawl as he approached the net and waited for the Minnesota goalie to commit to a move. After Niklas Backstrom headed to his left, Kane took the opportunity to move to the right and make a fast shot toward the goal, giving Chicago the lead and the victory. Afterwards, Kane explained his strategy, saying “It’s all about reading the goalie and sometimes when you’re going slow you have more time to read what he’s going to do.”

Next up, Chicago will play the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, December 16.

Image c/o: Mafue

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