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Ducks strike quickly in overtime

 
Published May 26, 2015

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Matt Beleskey scored 45 seconds into overtime, and the Ducks beat the Blackhawks 5-4 on Monday night in Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference final.

Chicago captain Jonathan Toews scored two stunning goals within 72 seconds late in regulation to force overtime, but Beleskey barreled into the crease and scored on a rebound of Ryan Kesler's shot, flying through the air in celebration.

Kesler and Sami Vatanen had a goal and an assist apiece for the Ducks, who moved to the brink of their first trip to the Stanley Cup final since 2007.

The Blackhawks had won four overtime games already in this postseason, including twice in this series, and had all the momentum heading to OT this time — until Beleskey swooped in.

Patrick Maroon had scored with 5:15 left in the third period to give Anaheim a 4-2 lead before Toews tied it.

The Ducks scored three goals in the first period before Chicago's first shot.

Cam Fowler scored at the 5:10 mark. Kesler scored 32 seconds later. Sami Vatanen scored at the 14:37 mark. Toews finally recorded Chicago's first shot on goal at 16:26.

The Blackhawks came alive in the second period. Teuvo Teravainen scored at the 1:11 mark, then Brent Seabrook scored on a one-timer with 25 seconds remaining.