VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Chicago Blackhawks packed extra bags for their trip to Vancouver, confident they would be moving on to the Western Conference finals in San Jose.

The way the Blackhawks are playing as visitors, it's hard to argue with their confidence — about disposing of the Canucks or their chances opening on the road against the Sharks.

Troy Brouwer and Kris Versteeg scored 36 seconds apart early in the second period, and the Blackhawks eliminated Vancouver in Game 6 of the second round for the second straight year with a 5-1 win Tuesday.

"Obviously you have to have confidence," Versteeg said after Chicago improved to 4-1 on the road, outscoring opponents 26-14. "That's how we have to play in the next series as well."

Dave Bolland scored on a short-handed breakaway with 45 seconds left in the second period, and Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien added breakaway goals 25 seconds apart in the third to send Chicago back to the West finals.

Antti Niemi made 29 saves for the second-seeded Blackhawks, who will face the San Jose Sharks with a trip to the Stanley Cup finals on the line. After losing Game 5 at home against the Canucks, the Blackhawks felt at home on the road.

"Starting on the road might be a good thing," Brouwer said. "We have confidence on the road."

The Blackhawks have scored five or more goals in their past four road wins going back to a series-clinching victory in Nashville in the first round.

"I don't really have any answers," said Vancouver captain Roberto Luongo, who made 30 saves. "We just didn't get the job done at home, which is really surprising considering we were one of the best home teams in the league.

Shane O'Brien scored early in the third period for the Canucks, who were knocked out in the second round for the third time in four years.