The Chicago Blackhawks finished a comeback against the rival Detroit Red Wings that had players and fans bracing for any and everything.
Welp, forget it all.
Sending Detroit off to the Eastern Conference after being down 3-1 in the series was a splendid site, but dwelling now could put Chicago at a deficit. Hard to believe that as you read this, the players and coaching staff are now focusing on the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.
After winning their own game seven at home against San Jose Tuesday, L.A. had to wait 24 hours to see if they’d travel to face the Chicago Blackhawks or welcome Detroit (figuratively) to the City of Angels. That series was punishing, to say the least. The Kings prevailed, and are now one series away from a repeat trip to the Stanley Cup Finals.
So, how can the Chicago Blackhawks top the champs?
The Chicago Blackhawks have been able to reestablish their disciplined puck-possession game as witnessed by their controlling play towards the end of the series versus Detroit. L.A. has the best blend of skill and grit in the NHL. All of their best forwards can make the puck disappear past a defender and smash an opponent in the next move. A punishing brand of hockey should be seen early and often from the Kings.
If Jonathan Toews can continue to recent play with less yapping at the refs, he could very well break out in a way he has yet to in 12 playoff games. Kings captain Dustin Brown will more than likely be the guy tasked with taking Toews out of his game much like Hen
rik Zetterberg did.
Jimmy Howard was the best player in the series against the Chicago Blackhawks. Jonathan Quick was the best versus San Jose. The Hawks will have to mimic their recent ability to crash the net and pound the puck to win. Quick is also playing at his 2012 Conn Smythe level once again, which is never a good sign.
Give credit to Corey Crawford for owning his net against Detroit. Scratch the few soft goals, and he was the best player wearing the Indian head sweater. The talent L.A. possesses rivals the depth of Chicago. “Crow” will have to be the first or second reason why Chicago advances to the Cup finals, if they do.
If you missed the games between the two earlier in the truncated season, good. The Kings were struggling for the first month and have played more like the champs the last month of the regular season. A healthy Anze Kopitar (this generation’s Marian Hossa) helped push L.A. to their expected level of play. Give him an inch, and he will make a play to give his team a quality scoring chance.
Both defensive corps stood up to some tough challenges in the 2nd round. L.A.’s lack of scoring put the spotlight on the ‘D’ to push the offense. It did enough to give Quick a breather. Chicago’s puck-moving defensemen did their jobs for most of the series versus Detroit. Defensive zone turnovers came in bunches too often, forcing Crawford to bail them out. The two guys to watch are youngsters Nick Leddy and Slava Voynov. Leddy can make an aggressive Kings team look bad with his speed and elusiveness. When L.A.’s forwards failed to score, Voynov stepped in. His four goals this postseason have relieved some pressure up front, and will force Chicago to respect his ability to score.
The coaches in this series are classics. Joel Quenneville and his lip sweater have made the right moves nearly all season. Daryl Sutter is a great on-the-fly adjuster. His pressers are also top notch and less hostel than the recent fired John Tortorella. The two will be emerged in one helluva chess match this series.
Look for the Chicago Blackhawks to pounce early at home Saturday and Sunday. L.A. has been less than stellar on the road, and that mediocrity includes the penalty kill. One goal allowed with a man down at home, and five on the road. If Chicago can just have a competent power play, one or two goals should find a way into the net. The Kings have won 14 straight at home, making it that much more necessary for Chicago to win both games at home before playing on the west coast.
This series will be the toughest up to this point for Chicago, even with the pesky Red Wings pinning them against the ropes. If there is one team that can play with and surpass the Chicago Blackhawks, it is Los Angeles. Chicago’s stars have to make their mark early and often for any chance of playing for Lord Stanley’s cup.
If the Chicago Blackhawks cannot play their game and get stuck in a battle of the brawn, this series could turn sour quickly. Coach Q will continue to preach patience and speed, the two hallmarks of the 2013 team. With Toews heating up and Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane making life rough for defenses, Chicago will prevail in seven grinding games.
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