Seven years have passed since the last time the Blackhawks played postseason hockey. The drought has been hard on the team, no doubt. But die-hard fans have had it pretty bad too. That’s why each high point or lowlight in Thursday’s playoff opener vs. Calgary at the United Center gave fans lots to cheer — and jeer — about. Here’s how it played out.
1st period
19:26
A Calgary player goes down at center ice. Cheers go up.
11:45
Jonathan Toews stops the puck in front of the Blackhawks’ net with a quick stick. Get the puck outta here!
11:22
No one can stop this one, though, as Calgary’s David Moss scores the game’s first goal. The UC goes deathly quiet. Seven years for this?!?!
6:29
A penalty against Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff give the Blackhawks a power play. Can they tie it up? Of course not.
3:31
Toews is nailed for high-sticking — a four-minute penalty. The Hawks are able to kill the power play — this period, at least.
2nd period
19:29
The Hawks finish off the Calgary power play. Order is restored.
17:30
Ben Eager is penalized for tripping Adam Pardy. Flames get another power play. They always have the power.
15:27
The Blackhawks penalty expires, and at the same time the Hawks’ Dave Bolland draws a holding penalty on Jordan Leopold. Who’s got the power now, Flames?
12:28
Rene Bourque lays a hit on Patrick Kane, and the crowd calls for a penalty. But no.
7:55
Boos rain down as Kris Versteeg is tripped but no penalty is called.
6:43
The UC is rockin’ as Cam Barker ties the game. Gotta love hearing The Fratellis play over the PA.
3rd period
16:06
The Flames erupt again with a lead goal from Michael Cammalleri.
8:39
Kris Versteeg excites the crowd with a huge shot on goal off a rebound. Kiprusoff makes a great save.
5:33
Martin Havlat lights the lamp off a rebound of his own shot, tying the game at 2.
0:00
Off to OT we go. Woohoo. Free hockey.
19:48
Hawks win! Hawks win! Havlat scores 12 seconds into OT.
Blackhawks lead series 1-0.
