Former Phantom Saad scores as Blackhawks force Game 7

Associated Press

CHICAGO

Duncan Keith had three assists and saved a goal in the third period, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 on Wednesday night to force a Game 7 in the Western Conference finals.

Former Mahoning Valley Phantom Brandon Saad, Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane scored in the second to help the Blackhawks hand the Ducks their first regulation loss of the playoffs. Andrew Shaw had two goals in the third, and Corey Crawford finished with 30 saves.

The Blackhawks improved to 31-0 when leading after two periods and erased some sting from Monday night’s 5-4 overtime loss. Game 7 is Saturday in Anaheim.

Patrick Maroon and Clayton Stoner scored for the Ducks, and Frederik Andersen made 18 saves.

Anaheim caught a break when Jakob Silfverberg brushed up against Crawford’s glove on Stoner’s first goal of the playoffs at 1:57 of the third, trimming Chicago’s lead to 3-2.

There was no call on the play and Crawford threw up his hands in exasperation after Stoner scored.

But Crawford quickly put the play behind him, hanging tough while the Ducks made a frantic push for the tying goal.