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Vermette's goal in second OT knots series

From healthy scratch to playoff hero … all in the span of 48 hours.

Antoine Vermette, who watched Game 3 of the Western Conference finals in the bowels of the United Center, banged in his own rebound two nights later and was mobbed by his Hawks teammates after a 5-4 double-overtime victory Saturday in front of 22,404.

"Emotion in the corner was pretty fun," Vermette said. "We've got a fun group. Hopefully we can do that again."

The Blackhawks survived Anaheim's 3-goal burst in a 37-second span of the third period that gave the Ducks a 4-3 lead with just 10:41 left in the game.

Patrick Kane scored the equalizer 3:20 later with his ninth goal of the playoffs, which set the stage for another long night.

Brandon Saad (short-handed), Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook also had goals for the Hawks.

"We worked to get to where we were in the third period with a 3-1 lead, but I guess when it rains it pours," Toews said. "I think a lot of teams wouldn't feel too good about themselves.

"I think we did a great job of just collecting ourselves, remaining calm and knowing it is what it is and you can't change that. You've got to move forward and you've got to find a way to get yourself back in the game."

Game 5 is Monday in Anaheim, where the Ducks are confident they can regain control of the series.

"We're going home in front of our crowd," Corey Perry said. "It's all tied up 2-2. We're excited. …

"There are a lot of guys that are doing the right things. If we just keep doing the same thing over and over again, we're going to wear them down. As the series moves on, it's beneficial for us."

Vermette, who joined the Hawks at the trade deadline and struggled to find his stride with just 2 goals in 30 games, had voiced his displeasure about not playing in Game 3.

Asked again about the feeling after Saturday's win, he said: "It's not a pleasant one. Like a proud competitor like everybody else on this team, you want to be part of the team. … I think that's a natural emotion to get. But at the same time, very supportive of the group."

The game-winner came when Patrick Sharp collected the puck behind the Ducks' net and made a nifty move to get away from defenseman Simon Despres. Sharp then fed the puck past two Ducks out front to Vermette, who shot, collected the rebound and easily beat an out-of-position Frederik Andersen (46 saves).

"No matter who scores we're happy," Kane said. "But that just shows the character that he has as a person and as a player to come back like that and step up in a big moment for us."

Vermette's been a stand-up guy with the media since coming from Arizona, agreeing to interview requests before being a healthy scratch in Game 1 vs. Nashville and two more times in this series, including Saturday with just three reporters before the game.

"You don't want to make it an individual or a personal story," Vermette said after Game 4. "The main focus is about the team success, and that's all that matters. So I'm glad we won tonight."

Joel Quenneville said he understood how Vermette felt about sitting out Game 3.

"You can understand where he was at," Quenneville said. "Very disappointed. He's a great pro. Stayed with it. That line had a couple looks in overtime. I'm glad he finished it for us. That was a huge goal for us. Huge, goal, huge."

And a huge, huge game coming Monday.

• Follow John's Hawks reports on Twitter @johndietzdh.

Images: Hawks tie series with a 2OT 5-4 win

Saad helps deliver in must-win game for Hawks

Three stars of the game

1. Antoine Vermette, Hawks: After sitting out Game 3, veteran scores game-winning goal in double OT. He also won 14 of 20 faceoffs.

2. Brandon Saad, Hawks: Scored short-handed and assisted on Hawks’ second and third goals.

3. Patrick Sharp, Hawks: Had strong overall game, assisting on game-winner and racking up a game-high 9 hits.

— John Dietz

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