Blackhawks Go 48 Extra Seconds to Get NHL’s Final Playoff Spot

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks didn’t just go down to the final game of the season to determine the last spot in the National Hockey League Stanley Cup competition.

The evenly matched rivals went an extra 48 seconds Sunday night in Chicago before Troy Murray’s goal gave the Blackhawks a 4-3 victory and fourth place in the Norris Division.

After the Blackhawks overcame a two-goal deficit in the third period to send the game into overtime, Murray stripped Toronto defenseman Todd Gill of the puck at the left faceoff spot, whirled and fired a quick shot past goaltender Allan Bestor to win it.

Their 27th victory in 80 games gave the Blackhawks 66 points, the fewest by any playoff team.

The Blackhawks, who needed a tie to qualify for the right to play Detroit in the opening best-of-seven season, had trouble getting started. Although they outshot the Maple Leafs, 30-13, they trailed, 3-1, after two periods.

But Dirk Graham scored at 3:14 of the final period and Bob Bassen, tied the score 3 1/2 minutes later. By this time the Blackhawks were clearly outplaying the Leafs to the delight of 17,732 fans. But Bestor made several good saves to delay the celebration.

Actually, it was rather amazing the Leafs carried the battle to the wire. Less than two weeks ago, they were six points behind. While the Blackhawks couldn’t beat anybody, the Leafs won two to make it close.