NHL: Chicago Blackhawks take charge of Western Conference

Jonathan Quick, the Los Angeles Kings netminder, ambushed for four goals in just 29 minutes of Game 2.

The victorious Blackhawks handed Jonathan Quick, right, his first early exit of the play-offs. Jim Young / Reuters

The Chicago Blackhawks handed Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Quick his first early exit of the play-offs as they rattled the Kings 4-2 on Sunday to grab a commanding lead in the NHL Western Conference finals.

The home Blackhawks ambushed Quick for four goals in just 29 minutes to chase the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner and establish a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series.

Top-seeded Chicago have now won five consecutive play-off games after falling 3-1 behind to Detroit in the second round, and will go into Game Three in Los Angeles on Tuesday looking like the best team in the NHL.

Their latest triumph was a surprising offensive outburst against Quick, who has been stellar throughout the post-season and had not allowed more than three goals in a game.

Andrew Shaw netted just 1:56 into the contest for the Blackhawks, who also had a first-period score from Brent Seabrook.

Bryan Bickell converted a power-play at 7:11 in the second and Michal Handzus gave the home side a 4-0 lead just two minutes later, prompting the Kings to bring on back-up netminder Jonathan Bernier.

Jeff Carter scored the first Los Angeles goal at the end of the second before Tyler Toffoli tallied at the end of the third.

Chicago goaltender Corey Crawford finished with 29 saves.

Kings, the defending Stanley Cup champions, were without centre Mike Richards, who missed his first game all season with an upper-body injury. Richards has a team-high 10 play-off points.

Los Angeles have been unbeatable at home during the play-offs but struggled on the road where they fell to just 1-7.

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