Hawks–Wings Game 2 Preview
Down 1-0 in the series, the Blackhawks will try again to steal home ice from Detroit in the Western Conference Finals tonight. The momentum seems firmly planted in Detroit’s corner after the Wings netted three straight goals to win 5-2 in Game 1, but the Hawks will look for another fast start to recapture the big mo’. In honor of Detroit….bullets!
- The young stars for the Blackhawks would have to be super-human to not feel pressure going into Game 2. Kane and Toews put up some awful stats in Game 1 and it’s on them to step it up tonight. Kane was held without a shot just three times all season before Sunday, but now it’s four times and two of those have come against Detroit. Kane mentioned that it felt like he was being triple teamed out there in Game 1, so hopefully for the Hawks he’ll be able to find some space and discover that magic he had against Vancouver.
- I didn’t see Seabrook and Keith take a whole lot of heat after Game 1. I thought these two had been a couple of the best defensmen in the entire league for the first two rounds, but a couple of bad turnovers in Game 1 were killers. While guys like Datsyuk and Hossa struggle, the Hawks can’t afford to give away goals to other players.
- One of the positives I saw from Chicago in the first game was their physical play. The Wings played a real tough series against Anaheim before this one and if the Hawks can keep punishing the Wings with big hits, there’s a chance they could wear them down if they can extend this series.
- Another good thing for Chicago is that being so young, there most recent playoff experience is the only kind they have. The Hawks fell behind 1-0 in the Vancouver series and had a great comeback to win Game 2. Just because this is a bigger stage, doesn’t mean they can’t handle it. Look for a disciplined and spirited performance tonight.
- Again, pay attention to the pace tonight. After winning the first game, I can’t imagine the Wings would try and change styles, so it will likely be another wide open and exciting affair.
That’s all I’ve got this afternoon, but I’m really looking forward to this one tonight. 6:30 PM CT, on Versus.
Loading ...
