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Boedker's game-winner lifts Coyotes past Blackhawks

Apr 18, 2012 - 6:15 AM Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Mikkel Boedker's first career playoff goal was an overtime winner.

Boedker beat Corey Crawford from a sharp angle along the left goal line with 6:45 remaining in the extra session to lift the Phoenix Coyotes to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series at United Center.

Taylor Pyatt started the play by dumping the puck into the Chicago zone. Pyatt jostled with Chicago defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson while attempting to gain possession. A trailing Boedker then swooped in and managed to put the puck behind Crawford, who was hugging the near post.

"It's a tough angle to score from, but as long as you get it on net, anything can happen and this one squeaked through and it feels great," Boedker said.

This contest will best be remembered, however, for a brutal first-period hit that caused Chicago forward Marian Hossa to exit the ice on a stretcher.

Hossa had just passed the puck in the neutral zone when he was steamrolled by gritty forward Raffi Torres, who left his feet to deliver a late hit that targeted Hossa's head. Torres, who has a history of being suspended for overly aggressive conduct, was not penalized on the play but should expect a call from NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan.

The Blackhawks provided an update on Hossa.

"After initial evaluation on the ice he was taken by ambulance to the hospital for further testing, which yielded encouraging results," Chicago head team physician Dr. Michael Terry said in a statement. "He has been released from the hospital, and we are monitoring him closely at home. We anticipate a full recovery in a timetable yet to be determined."

Tuesday's incident came on the heels of Phoenix goaltender Mike Smith being shaken up on a hit by Andrew Shaw in Game 2 on Saturday. Shaw was given a three-game suspension.

Although he missed practice Monday, Smith made 35 saves to backstop the Coyotes to a 2-1 series lead.

"Just a tough loss. I felt like we dominated overtime," said Crawford, who recorded 31 saves.

Game 4 is slated for Thursday in Chicago.

The teams scored three times in a 65-second span during 4-on-4 in the third period. Only one goal had been registered through the first 40 minutes.

Rostislav Klesla drew Phoenix with a one-timer from the top of the left circle that deflected off Chicago defenseman Johnny Oduya's stick at 8:16. It was his first NHL playoff goal.

Michael Frolik banged home a rebound to put the Blackhawks back on top at 8:49, but Ray Whitney also converted a rebound to even things up again at 9:21.

In each of the first two games of this series, the Blackhawks forced overtime with a goal in the final seconds. This time, they were looking to prevent overtime, but Smith turned away Patrick Sharp's shot with the blocker just before the horn sounded.

Andrew Brunette gave Chicago the lead when he deflected Patrick Kane's shot with 28.4 seconds left in the first period.

Game Notes

Klesla collected two assists...Each of Chicago's last five playoff games have gone beyond regulation...The Blackhawks had won seven of their last eight home playoff games.