Hawks Keep it Close for a While, Lose Game 1
The Blackhawks struck first in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals but couldn’t hold off the Red Wings, falling 5-2 to the defending Stanley Cup Champions. The Hawks came out strong, carrying the play for most of the first period and taking a 1-0 lead about five minutes in, but the Wings came back, took the lead, and eventually went on to take the game away in the third. Some thoughts:
- Game 1 definitely lived up to the hype for the series. Both teams were flying up and down the ice and testing the goaltenders. As I heard the Pittsburgh-Washington series described, it looked like you were watching the game with the fast forward on the DVR. I guess that answers the question regarding the pace the Red Wings would try to play at. It’s going to be strength on strength as both teams prefer a wide open style.
- The depth of the Red Wings was lethal. The Filpula, Hudler, Samuelsson line dominated to the point that Quenneville switched Keith and Seabrook to match up with them in the third period. Hjalmarsson, Barker, and Walker need to step up their play for the Hawks to have a chance here.
- I probably should be careful using the word “lethal” in the last point, because it almost took on a very literal meaning when Ben Eager was upended and his skate sliced Adam Burish on his neck. That was less than an inch from being disastrous. Most of us remember the Richard Zednik situation from a couple years ago, and this could have been just as bad. Kudos to Burish for not being phased and playing a very strong game after that, until that double minor for cross-checking Draper twice in the last minute.
- Where were the stars for the Hawks? Kane and Toews combined for one shot on goal the entire game (Toews), while compiling a pair of minus-3’s. Keith and Seabrook each had a turnover that led directly to the first two goals for the Wings. NBC had an un-official count of 10 turnovers for the Wings and only 1 for the Hawks, but that was obviously wrong. Both teams struggled hard in the turnover department.
- Khabibulin was about as good as a goaltender can be while giving up four goals (the 5th was empty net). Especially in the second period while Detroit had a few power plays he was outstanding. The Hawks will need more of the same from Bulin, but it looks like he could steal a game in this series if he keeps it up.
- Zetterberg and Datsyuk were amazing. Every time there was a loose puck in their vicinity they got it. There was one play where Zetterberg forced a turnover at center ice, went around three Hawks and Khabibulin thwarted his centering attempt; then he stole the puck again and created another chance. While Toews and Kane disappointed, hopefully this is a glimpse into the future for those young stars.
- The Hawks can be encouraged that they did not shy away from the big stage. They came out in the first period and it looked like the rink was slanted their way. There were also stints in which they dominated and peppered Osgood. Burish, Eager, and company dished out some physical punishment too. This game was 2-2 in the third and the Hawks had plenty of chances to take the lead. I thought Versteeg and Campbell played great games with Versteeg creating chances and scoring, and with Campbell jumping into the play and even laying some big-time hits.
Game 2 is Tuesday night in Detroit and will be on Vs. at 6:30 CT.
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