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 The Blackhawks, who eliminated Minnesota from the playoffs for the
third consecutive season, will face either Anaheim or Calgary in the
West final. The Ducks lead the Flames 2-1 in their series.
Defenseman Brent Seabrook put Chicago ahead midway through the first
period and Andrew Shaw doubled their advantage at 3:28 of the
second.
The Wild pulled one back three minutes later through Erik Huala but
the Blackhawks opened a three-goal cushion in the third with goals
from Patrick Kane and a short-handed effort from Marian Hossa.
The Wild set up a tense finale after goals from Jason Pominville and
Nino Niederreiter in the last three minutes narrowed the deficit to
4-3 but the Hawks held on to complete the four-game sweep.
Goaltender Corey Crawford made 34 saves to pick up the win. He
stopped 124 of 131 shots during a series in which the Wild never
led.
The only sour note for Chicago was a gruesome ankle injury suffered
by defenseman Michal Rozsival, who was skating backwards when he
lost his balance and his ankle bent back awkwardly as he fell.
(Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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