The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins 3-1 in Game 5 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final, behind another standout performance by Chicago’s Patrick Kane.
Kane followed up his one goal and one assist performance in a Game 4 overtime thriller with a two goal game in Game 5, becoming a key contributor in Chicago’s pivotal victory over the Bruins. Center Jonathan Toews was responsible for two assists in the game, while left wing Bryan Bickell continued his tremendous postseason, as he was credited with one assist in the contest.
Chicago withstood a third period rally by Boston, as defenseman Zdeno Chara scored for the Bruins 3:40 into the final period to make the score 2-1. Boston then had multiple opportunities to get the tying goal past goaltender Corey Crawford with roughly two minutes to go, although the Bruins fell short in the end.
Dave Bolland scored an empty net goal with 14 seconds remaining to make the score 3-1, and that is where it would stand.
The Blackhawks now lead the series 3-2 with Game 6 on Monday in Boston, however the Bruins may have suffered a debilitating loss.
Center Patrice Bergeron fell victim to a currently unknown injury in the second period. Late in the period, Bergeron began to skate gingerly and went to the bench about 10 seconds later. He was later taken to a hospital in an ambulance and there has been no update on what injury Bergeron may have suffered.
If Bergeron has a serious injury, it would most likely put Boston at a severe disadvantage ahead of a must-win Game 6 for the team.
Although Boston played decent in Game 5 despite the loss, head coach Claude Julien and the Bruins will play close attention to Bergeron’s status for Game 6.
Game 6 will be on Monday in Boston at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET on NBC.