Hossa scores in OT as Blackhawks take 3-2 lead over Predators

CHICAGO - Marian Hossa sat in the penalty box for what seemed like the longest time - five minutes to be exact - and when he finally got out yesterday, he quickly found the puck and sent the Chicago Blackhawks to an inspiring victory.

Hossa scored 4:07 into overtime after Patrick Kane's shorthanded goal had tied it with 13.6 seconds left in regulation and the Blackhawks beat the Nashville Predators, 5-4, to take a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference series.

Kane's goal and the Blackhawks ability to kill yet another Predators power play gave Hossa a reprieve after he had knocked Nashville's Dan Hamhuis into the boards and drew a major penalty.

Hamhuis, who was shoved from behind by Hossa, stayed on the ice for about a minute before he was able to get up and slowly skate off.

"I tried to go for the puck," Hossa said. "The guy turned his back to me. You don't want to hit a player that way, but I couldn't stop my motion."

Nashville coach Barry Trotz compared the hit to one that Washington's Alex Ovechkin put on Chicago's Brian Campbell last month, breaking Campbell's collarbone and resulting in a two-game suspension for Ovechkin.

"I don't even know the difference looking at the two. The league will handle it. I trust the league's judgment. They've been fair all the time," Trotz said. "It's unfortunate Hossa comes out and scores the winning goal. Ironic how that works out, but that's the way it is."

With Nashville protecting its lead late and on the major power play created by Hossa's penalty, Kane backhanded in a rebound off a shot by Jonathan Toews to tie it at 4.

Penguins 4, Senators 3: Pascal Dupuis scored 9:56 into overtime as visiting Pittsburgh rallied to win Game 6 and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Matt Cooke scored his second goal with 7:36 left in the third to tie it at 3 for the Penguins, who had trailed 3-0. Bill Guerin also scored for the Pens. - AP