May 08--ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Marian Hossa waited 10 games to score his first goal of the postseason. The NHL waited more than 24 years for a goal such as Hossa's.
The Blackhawks forward scored an empty-netter to give the Hawks a 4-1 lead with 3 minutes, 7 seconds left Thursday night. Forty-nine seconds later, Jason Pominville sliced it to 4-2. Fifty-one ticks after that, Nino Niederreiter made it 4-3.
Hossa's score came while the Blackhawks were down to four skaters against the Wild's six after Bryan Bickell was called for boarding with 3:58 left and Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk left the ice in favor of an extra attacker.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first series-clinching empty-netter since Bobby Smith did it April 28, 1991 for the North Stars against the Blues.
"It turns out 'Hoss' scored a big goal, very timely" coach Joel Quenneville said. "Three-goal lead, they're still on the power play and we knew the goalie was coming (out).
"Haywire at the end, short-handed as well, so huge game for us."
And a huge series during which the Wild never led. It marked the 11th playoff series sweep in franchise history as the Blackhawks improved to 14-0 in series they've led 3-0. They also moved to 30-0-0 in games they've led after two periods this season.
Andrew Shaw paid a visit to the penalty box with 15 seconds left, again leaving the Wild to attack.
"A lot of things going on there with the empty nets and penalties and some scrambles," Patrick Sharp said. "It may have looked a little hectic, but I think our team remained calm and we did what we had to do.
"Give our defense credit for playing short-handed half the game and helping out us forwards."
As a result, the Blackhawks move forward to face either the Ducks or the Flames.
pskrbina@tribpub.com
