Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Third Period Recap

Blackhawks 2, Penguins 2

To paraphrase a quote from Eddie Olczyk, good things happen when you send the puck to the net -- even when you just crossed the blue line.

That's what Bryan Bickell did 1:09 into the third period, scoring the go-ahead goal past Marc-Andre Fleury to put Chicago up 2-1.

But what has been the Achilles heel for the Blackhawks recently (their inability to protect a lead) turned out to be just that with 3:18 left in regulation.

Brett Sterling rebounded a shot into a wide-open goal to tie the game at 2-2.

Now the Blackhawks need overtime to get a crucial second point for the Western Conference standings. It will be 4-on-4 in the overtime period's first 36 seconds.

Kris Letang is in the penalty box for the Penguins for hooking for 36 seconds. Marian Hossa for 1:30 for holding.

Shots on goal    1    2    3    OT    Total

Pittsburgh            7    11   8   
Chicago              13    8    7