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jg2977 · 07-26-2025, 10:49 AM

Chicago Blackhawks: 5th Conference Finals berth
1977 1989 1999 2001 2002

Blackhawks Surge Past Golden Knights in Game 7 Thriller, Advance to Western Conference Finals
By Chicago Tribune Staff
October 3, 2002 | United Center, Chicago

For nearly three hours, the South Loop roared with hope, dread, and — by the end — unfiltered jubilation. In a game that featured 25 hits, 22 runs, and more than a few heart palpitations, the Chicago Blackhawks outlasted the Vegas Golden Knights, 14-8, in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals at United Center.

The win propels Chicago into the Western Conference Finals for the fifth time in franchise history. The defending Stanley Cup champions will face the Dallas Stars, who themselves escaped a seven-game series against Calgary just a few hours earlier.

"We're still breathing," Nick Foligno said after the win, sweat glistening on his brow as he stood by the dugout steps. "These games — they take a toll. But we’re not done yet. Not even close."

A Comeback for the Ages
After falling behind 5-2 early, the Hawks responded with resilience and a few heavy swings of the bat. Down 5-3 in the sixth, Chicago erupted for four runs, capped by a grand slam from fourth year phenom Connor Bedard, his fifth home run of the postseason. Just an inning later, they blew the game wide open with a six-run seventh, thanks in part to a pair of doubles by Foligno and four straight plate appearances with men on base.

Foligno, who entered the series as a veteran presence and left it as its undisputed MVP, finished with a staggering .556 batting average, four home runs, and 17 RBI across seven games.

"That’s playoff baseball," manager Rick St. Clair said postgame. “You bend. You stretch. You hope the dam doesn’t break. And then someone like Connor or Nicky just grabs the whole thing by the neck and drags it home.”

Hextall Leads the Charge
If Foligno was the soul of the series, Ron Hextall was its spark. The shortstop homered twice in the first four innings — both solo shots — and ended the night 4-for-5 with four runs scored and two RBI. He reached base in all five plate appearances except one and played a pivotal role turning the double play that snuffed out a Vegas threat in the top of the eighth.

"I just saw the ball well tonight," Hextall said. "And when you're in front of this crowd, man, you want to give them something to remember."

They’ll remember this one for a long time.

Vegas Punches Back, Then Fades
To their credit, the Golden Knights did not go quietly. Ivan Barbashev, a nightmare for Chicago pitchers all series, added four more RBI to his staggering postseason total of 20, including a second-inning grand slam that briefly stunned the sellout crowd of 41,960.

But Vegas’s bullpen collapsed in spectacular fashion. Four relievers combined to give up 11 runs in just three innings, including two wild pitches and three walks with the bases loaded. They used six pitchers in all, none of whom had an answer for Chicago’s middle order.

“It hurts,” Vegas manager Tsunesaburo Tanaka admitted. “But Chicago earned this one.”

Conference Final Awaits
With the win, Chicago will now turn its attention to the Dallas Stars, a team as bruised and battle-tested as the Blackhawks. Dallas won its series 4-3 over the Flames and boasts its own series MVP in Amenzu Jabiri, who hit .481 with 19 RBI.

"It's going to be a war," said Foligno, still gripping the bat handle like he hadn’t let go since the seventh inning. "We’ll rest for about 10 minutes. Then it’s right back to it."

Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals will be held at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Dates and times are expected to be announced by Thursday morning.

BOX SCORE NOTES

Player of the Game: Ron Hextall (CHI) – 4-for-5, 2 HR, 4 R, 2 RBI
Vegas Pitching: J. Baez (L, 0-1) gave up four runs without recording an out in the 6th.
Chicago Pitching: A. Almaraz (W, 1-0) steadied the ship after a rough start, allowing just 3 earned runs over 6.2 innings.
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 55°, Wind 9 mph from right
Attendance: 41,960
Chicago Tribune Coverage Continues:

�� Gallery: United Center erupts in Game 7 celebration
�� Column: Bedard's bat may be young, but it's already legendary
�� Preview: Blackhawks vs. Stars — numbers, matchups, and predictions

07-26-2025, 10:49 AM	#2659
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 25,577	Chicago Blackhawks: 5th Conference Finals berth 1977 1989 1999 2001 2002 Blackhawks Surge Past Golden Knights in Game 7 Thriller, Advance to Western Conference Finals By Chicago Tribune Staff October 3, 2002 \| United Center, Chicago For nearly three hours, the South Loop roared with hope, dread, and — by the end — unfiltered jubilation. In a game that featured 25 hits, 22 runs, and more than a few heart palpitations, the Chicago Blackhawks outlasted the Vegas Golden Knights, 14-8, in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals at United Center. The win propels Chicago into the Western Conference Finals for the fifth time in franchise history. The defending Stanley Cup champions will face the Dallas Stars, who themselves escaped a seven-game series against Calgary just a few hours earlier. "We're still breathing," Nick Foligno said after the win, sweat glistening on his brow as he stood by the dugout steps. "These games — they take a toll. But we’re not done yet. Not even close." A Comeback for the Ages After falling behind 5-2 early, the Hawks responded with resilience and a few heavy swings of the bat. Down 5-3 in the sixth, Chicago erupted for four runs, capped by a grand slam from fourth year phenom Connor Bedard, his fifth home run of the postseason. Just an inning later, they blew the game wide open with a six-run seventh, thanks in part to a pair of doubles by Foligno and four straight plate appearances with men on base. Foligno, who entered the series as a veteran presence and left it as its undisputed MVP, finished with a staggering .556 batting average, four home runs, and 17 RBI across seven games. "That’s playoff baseball," manager Rick St. Clair said postgame. “You bend. You stretch. You hope the dam doesn’t break. And then someone like Connor or Nicky just grabs the whole thing by the neck and drags it home.” Hextall Leads the Charge If Foligno was the soul of the series, Ron Hextall was its spark. The shortstop homered twice in the first four innings — both solo shots — and ended the night 4-for-5 with four runs scored and two RBI. He reached base in all five plate appearances except one and played a pivotal role turning the double play that snuffed out a Vegas threat in the top of the eighth. "I just saw the ball well tonight," Hextall said. "And when you're in front of this crowd, man, you want to give them something to remember." They’ll remember this one for a long time. Vegas Punches Back, Then Fades To their credit, the Golden Knights did not go quietly. Ivan Barbashev, a nightmare for Chicago pitchers all series, added four more RBI to his staggering postseason total of 20, including a second-inning grand slam that briefly stunned the sellout crowd of 41,960. But Vegas’s bullpen collapsed in spectacular fashion. Four relievers combined to give up 11 runs in just three innings, including two wild pitches and three walks with the bases loaded. They used six pitchers in all, none of whom had an answer for Chicago’s middle order. “It hurts,” Vegas manager Tsunesaburo Tanaka admitted. “But Chicago earned this one.” Conference Final Awaits With the win, Chicago will now turn its attention to the Dallas Stars, a team as bruised and battle-tested as the Blackhawks. Dallas won its series 4-3 over the Flames and boasts its own series MVP in Amenzu Jabiri, who hit .481 with 19 RBI. "It's going to be a war," said Foligno, still gripping the bat handle like he hadn’t let go since the seventh inning. "We’ll rest for about 10 minutes. Then it’s right back to it." Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals will be held at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Dates and times are expected to be announced by Thursday morning. BOX SCORE NOTES Player of the Game: Ron Hextall (CHI) – 4-for-5, 2 HR, 4 R, 2 RBI Vegas Pitching: J. Baez (L, 0-1) gave up four runs without recording an out in the 6th. Chicago Pitching: A. Almaraz (W, 1-0) steadied the ship after a rough start, allowing just 3 earned runs over 6.2 innings. Weather: Partly Cloudy, 55°, Wind 9 mph from right Attendance: 41,960 Chicago Tribune Coverage Continues: �� Gallery: United Center erupts in Game 7 celebration �� Column: Bedard's bat may be young, but it's already legendary �� Preview: Blackhawks vs. Stars — numbers, matchups, and predictions Attached Images Last edited by jg2977; 07-26-2025 at 10:52 AM.