In the 2013 Stanley Cup Final the Blackhawks found themselves facing off against the Boston Bruins in a classic Original Six matchup. In Game 1 at the United Center in Chicago, the Hawks found themselves down 2-0 and 3-1 in the game before a third period surge. Dave Bolland and Johnny Oduya struck in the third to tie the game 3-3 at the end of regulation. It would be the last goal for a long, long time. The two teams went back and forth through two overtimes, with neither team finding the back of the net. Corey Crawford and Tuukka Rask both stood on their heads to keep the game tied. The Bruins had a myriad of chances, including a few power plays, and a shot that rang off the post. The game headed to the third grueling overtime. Thirteen minutes into the third OT, Michael Roszival threw the puck towards the net from the point. In a great stroke of luck, the puck deflected off David Bolland, and then off of Andrew Shaw’s shinpads and into the net, giving the Blackhawks a 4-3 win and a 1-0 lead in the series.

In a brutally difficult game for the Blackhawks, they found a way to hang around long enough to break through for the win. The never say die attitude of the Blackhawks was on full display in this game. There were a bunch of times in the three overtimes where the Bruins should have won the game. But they didn’t. The Hawks were able to survive the surges from Boston, and ended up winning the game how most long overtime games are won, with a flukey goal.

The thrill of victory; the agony of defeat: Andrew Shaw of the Chicago Blackhawks (right) celebrates after the game-winning goal goes in. Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask  looks back toward the puck that's now in his net
The thrill of victory; the agony of defeat: Andrew Shaw of the Chicago Blackhawks (right) celebrates after the game-winning goal goes in. Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask  looks back toward the puck that’s now in his net

This goal was important because Game 1 was arguably one of the best games Boston played in the Final (outside of Game 3). They threw their best stuff at the Hawks for almost six periods of hockey, and still could not get the win. Boston went on to win Games 2 and 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the series, before the Hawks won three straight for the Cup. Sp winning Game 1 in triple overtime was vitally crucial to their success in the series. Lose Game 1 at any point, and you’re looking at being down 3-0 going into Game 4 in Boston staring at a sweep. Shaw’s heroics/luck gave the Hawks a huge win to start off the series, and honestly it gave them a little breathing room.

Shawzie’s goal also led to one of the best player celebrations after a game-winning play ever.

“I LOVE SHINPADS!!!” Yes, we love your shinpads too, Shawzie.

#11 coming tomorrow…