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When two fairly evenly matched teams square off in an NHL playoff series, anything can happen. One penalty, and a game, or even a series, can turn.
Last night, after Chicago’s Brandon Bollig took what some felt was a questionable interference call early in the third period of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, the Kings scored a tying goal. And then the floodgates opened, leading to a 6-2 blitzkrieg.
The Kings have to feel good about themselves and their chances in this series, going home tied 1-1. The Hawks, after giving up their first home loss of the playoffs, have to be wondering where it all went wrong.
But judging by the post-game statements the Hawks were closing the book rather quickly on this one and looking forward to Game 3 in L.A.. Now Chicago pretty much has to take a game at the Staples Center in order to eventually take this series. Can they? Absolutely. The Hawks know it. And the Kings, unless they have very short memories, know it too.
What will it take?
1) Corey Crawford has had a weak game here and there in these playoffs, and he had one last night. He will need to be better. 2) Patrick Sharp needs to start delivering 3) Getting Andrew Shaw back—which is rumored to be happening soon, possibly as soon as Game 3—will be big 4) Avoid dumb penalties
But full marks to the Kings. They stuck with it, found their groove and embarrassed the Hawks in their building.
The Hawks need to just remember that winning Stanley Cups is never easy. And the Hawks know a thing or two about winning Stanley Cups.
I’ll be back tomorrow.