OFFENSE POWERS BLACKHAWKS INTO STANLEY CUP FINAL
The Chicago Blackhawks built a 4-0 lead in the second period – triggered by two goals from captain Jonathan Toews in the opening frame – and stifled a rally by the Anaheim Ducks to claim a Game 7 victory and a berth in the Stanley Cup Final.
* The Blackhawks advanced to the Final for the 13th time in franchise history and for the third time in the past six seasons (also 2010 and 2013). Via Elias, Chicago is the third team in the last 24 years to reach the Stanley Cup Final at least three times in a six-year span. The others: the Detroit Red Wings (1995-97-98 and 1997-98-2002) and the New Jersey Devils (2000-01-03).
* The Blackhawks improved to 7-6 in 13 all-time Game 7s, including 2-3 on the road. Their only other Game 7 win on the road was in the 1965 Semifinals, when they beat the Red Wings 4-2 before losing to the Montreal Canadiens in seven games in the Stanley Cup Final (4-0 L at Montreal in Game 7).