Ducks vs. Blackhawks: Three keys to Game 6

The Chicago Blackhawks forced a deciding Game 7 with the Anaheim Ducks by virtue of a 5-2 victory in Game 6 on Wednesday night in Chicago.

Here are three keys to the Game 6 outcome:

1) Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith, perhaps jolted by a hard hit from Ryan Kesler, ignited a spree of three goals in three minutes and 45 seconds by assisting on each one. He later cleared a shot off his goal line. Next, he will fly the team plane.

2) The Blackhawks’ stars played like stars. Forwards Brandon Saad, Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane each scored once and Andrew Shaw scored twice to lead a gutsy effort.

3) The Ducks made a strong pushback in the third period until Shaw scored with 3:32 left for a 4-2 Chicago lead. The Ducks created chances, but they’ll have to convert more of those juicy rebounds Corey Crawford leaves.