Ducks edge Blackhawks in Game 3 to regain series lead

The Anaheim Ducks hung on to earn a crucial road victory in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final on Thursday, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in a cagey contest.

Anaheim never trailed in the game but the Blackhawks held a 10-5 shot advantage, trailing by a goal in the third period. Patrick Maroon and Simon Despres scored for the Ducks, while Patrick Kane replied for Chicago.

Star Performer: Captain Ryan Getzlaf was everywhere for Anaheim during the game, setting up both Ducks goals and registering two hits and two blocked shots. He led all Anaheim forwards with 21:33 time on ice and is now tied with Corey Perry for the team lead in playoff points with 16.

Turning Point: The Ducks poured on the pressure in the second period, firing 14 shots on Corey Crawford. The barrage paid off in the final minute of the period when Despres scored his first career playoff goal, which stood as the winner.

Goalie Comparison: Crawford played well, but the night belonged to Frederik Andersen in net. The Ducks goaltender was perfect aside from allowing Kane's circus-shot goal, and Chicago will need to figure him out in Game 4 to avoid returning to Anaheim in a deep hole.

Top Highlight: Chicago's only goal in the contest was the type of shot you need to see to believe. Kane appeared to lose the puck in Anaheim's zone but regained it on his backhand before spinning and firing a no-look shot that found its way under Andersen's blocker arm and into the net.

Stat of the night: The Ducks finished with 27 blocked shots, matching the number of shots they fired at Chicago's goal in the contest. The Blackhawks blocked nine shots.

Series at a glance

Game 1: Ducks 4, Blackhawks 1
Game 2: Blackhawks 3, Ducks 2 (3OT)
Game 3: Ducks 2, Blackhawks 1
Game 4: Saturday, May 23, 8 p.m. ET
Game 5: Monday, May 25, 9 p.m. ET
Game 6*: Wednesday, May 27, 8 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m. ET

*If necessary