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The Blackhawks gutted out a 2-1 win last night over a very game Minnesota Wild club at the United Center. Full credit to Mike Yeo and the Wild front office—this is a better club than the one the Hawks faced in the first round last year.
And speaking of last year, a pattern seems to be repeating itself: the second round series might be the toughest the Hawks have (assuming they make it out of the second round).
And that’s the gist of today’s blog: the Hawks took a big step toward ending this thing last night, by going up 3-2 with the series going back to St. Paul.
Will the Hawks be able to carry over their effort from last night to Game 6 and close it out in Minnesota? The odds say no, but as my friend, former CSN Chicago anchor guy Josh Mora pointed out on Facebook the other day. The Joel Quenneville-led Blackhawks have an insanely good record in Games 5 and 6 of playoff series going back to 2009.
And this is when, typically, the Patrick Kanes and Jonathan Toews step it up—as Toews did last night, literally willing the Hawks to victory in a tight, tight game.
Also, credit to goalie Corey Crawford, who has come up big—if not huge—precisely when the Hawks have needed him to through 11 games in these playoffs. Last night, again, in the critical, closing moments of a critical Game 5, Crawford made some terrific saves.
And credit Quenneville and his staff for recognizing what the heretofore absent Peter Regin would bring to the lineup.
It was Regin’s drive to the net that drew a hooking penalty from Joan Brodin—leading to the Hawks’ first goal on a power play. A midseason acquisition from the Islanders, the 185 pounds soaking wet Regin has played tough, smart hockey for the Hawks since his acquisition.
This series, in the end, may come down to home-ice advantage, and a Game 7 in Chicago. But certainly, the Hawks would love to close it out in Game 6 tomorrow night and await the winner of the Kings and Ducks.
I’ll have a Game 6 preview tomorrow.
All for now,
JJ