The Chicago Blackhawks looked poised for a good second period as just 26 seconds into the frame Oilers C Shawn Horcoff drew a holding penalty, giving the Blackhawks a quick power play. Despite a trio of shots from Marian Hossa, Steve Montador, and Dave Bolland, the Oilers were able to spoil the opportunity.
Minutes later, Patrick Kane drew a high-sticking penalty, followed less than three minutes later by a Dave Bolland holding penalty, giving the Oilers a two-man advantage. The Oilers brought the puck behind the net, passing back and forth as Tom Gilbert moved into position for a 40-foot slapshot goal that zipped beneath Hawks goalie Ray Emery.
Bryan Bickell drew a delay of game penalty for sending the puck over the glass with the Oilers up 6-1. And with the power play in his favor, Taylor Hopkins took advantage of a fortuitous bounce off the back wall, tapping the puck behind Emery for yet another goal and a 7-1 Oilers lead.
The Blackhawks got their own power play on a Ben Eager holding call, and Dave Bolland responding by blasting a 49-foot slapshot for a goal and 7-2 game. But late in the period, Partick Kane drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for employing one too many sentence enhancers on the ice, give the Oilers yet another power play opportunity. Defenseman Tom Gilbert took his third shot of the contest, shattering his stick, but giving Shawn Horcoff a chance to force the puck past a sprawling Ray Emery.
The Oilers lead 8-2 going into the third and final period.
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