Anaheim, United States---Frederik Andersen stopped 32 shots and forward Kyle Palmieri scored his first goal of the NHL post-season as the Anaheim Ducks beat Chicago 4-1 Sunday to open the Western Conference finals.
Forward Nate Thompson scored his second goal of the playoffs for the Ducks, who showed off their offensive depth by getting secondary scoring from forwards known more for their checking skills.
Thompson plays on the Ducks' third checking line with Palmieri and centre Andrew Cogliano.
"Palmieri, Thompson and Cogliano were very good today," said Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau. "In all sports there is somebody throughout history who comes up and plays better in the playoffs than the regular season.
"You are not going to win unless you have four lines playing."
Defenceman Hampus Lindholm, on a long shot from the point, and Jakob Silfverberg, into an empty net, also scored for Anaheim in game one of the best-of-seven series, which will send the winners to the Stanley Cup finals.
Brad Richards had the lone goal for the Blackhawks, who entered the series as the favourites after winning the Stanley Cup twice in the last five years.
Despite their championship pedigree, Chicago looked rusty Sunday in their first game back following a long layoff after sweeping the Minnesota Wild in four straight games.
The first-ever playoff matchup between these two teams continues with game two Tuesday at Honda Center.
Thompson also had an assist for a postseason career high two points while linemate Palmieri scored his first career playoff game winning goal.
The Ducks were outshot 16-7 in the first period but a couple of defensive miscues by the Blackhawks led to the first two goals by Anaheim. Chicago found themselves shorthanded on defence Sunday after Michael Rozsival suffered a fractured left ankle in game four against the Wild.
The Blackhawks brought in David Rundblad to replace Rozsival but he struggled with the speed of the game in his own end Sunday and was victimized on Anaheim's first two goals.
"We capitalized on a couple of their mistakes and hopefully we can keep that going moving forward," Palmieri said.
AFP
