This weird Stanley Cup Western Conference Semi Final series has now seen the road team win four of five games as Kevin Bieksa scored twice(and added an assist),while Roberto Luongo made 29 saves and the Vancouver Canucks remained alive with a 4-1 win Sunday evening.The Canucks scored first in the United Center for the third time in as many games when Cristian Ehrhoff’s slap shot beat a screened Anti Niemi just :58 into the game on the Canucks first shot.The Sedin twins Daniel and Hendrik each got assists. Then at 14:24, Bieksa put one past Niemi ofter a drop pass from Kyle Wellwood. The first period ended 2-0 with the Hawks out shooting Vancouver 11-7. Bieksa picked up his second of the game at 13:00 of the second period on the power play with Byfuglien sitting out a slashing penalty that was an obvious make up call for a blown slash a few minutes earlier.Byfuglien got Shane O’Brien with the blade,causing blood to gush from his face,but no call was made. O’Brien returned a few moments later unlike Sami Salo who took a puck in his midsection in the first period and did not return.The Hawks prevented a shutout at 12:51 of the third when Jonathan Toews scored his 6th of the playoffs assisted by Duncan Keith and Brian Campbell.After the Hawks pulled Niemi for an extra attacker, Alex Burrows sent most fans to the exits by scoring an empty netter.
NOTES—Attendance was 22,192…..,Game six is Tuesday in Vancouver….Salo was taken to a hospital after he was hurt in the first period and it was determined that he had a fractured testicle….The Hawks out shot the Canucks 30-24.
LES