The Chicago Blackhawks came into Game 7 of the Western Conference Final on Saturday never having lost a series in the Joel Quenneville era after it had been tied 2-2, with a combined record in Games 5 and 6 of 15-1. The Anaheim Ducks came into Game 7 with the memory of losing a seventh game in blowout fashion at home last season to the Los Angeles Kings in a Western Conference Semifinal.
Experience, the "been there, done that" factor, won the night. The Blackhawks are going to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in the last six seasons after their 5-3 win Saturday night at the Honda Center. The Anaheim Ducks have all summer to wonder how their season ended for the second year in a row with a loss at home in a Game 7 after having a 3-2 series lead.
Not only did the better team win Saturday night, the more heavily cheered team in the building won. It sounded like a home game for the Blackhawks, despite the contest being played in Anaheim.
Maybe that wasn't anywhere near the difference in Chicago's win, but it sure couldn't have hurt t ...
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Article written by Adrian Dater