Hawks-Wings Game 3 Preview
We’re back to Chicago for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals and it might as well be an elimination for the Blackhawks. While a comeback down 3-0 would be epic against Detroit, this isn’t a movie and it just won’t happen. Must win tonight. Bullets…
- Both teams are having some trouble getting production from their stars. For the Hawks, this hadn’t been a problem until Kane disappeared this round, but the Wings have been looking for Datsyuk and Hossa all playoffs long. Datsyuk is nursing a sore foot that caused him to miss practice yesterday. Hossa and Kane seem to be the likely candidates to break out in Game 3….so look out for Datsyuk.
- Turnovers are still killing both teams, as both have deadly offensive skills that punish miscues. The Hawks have shown they can create chances against Detroit, so if they can show a little more poise in Game 3 and limit the turnovers, there is no reason they can’t push it to 2-1.
- Khabibulin has been great in this series, but Osgood has been better. Time for Nikolai to outplay his counterpart no matter how good Ozzie plays. Bulin has won a Stanley Cup and knows he has to take some pride and step it up. Not that I’m calling him out, it’s just that when you have an apparent advantage in goal, it needs to show.
- I know the Hawks have come out strong in the first two games and lost, but I really think if they do it again it’s a great sign. They’ve been playing good hockey, but Detroit has been great. If Chicago can come out with physical play and strong legs, they have a good chance to build a lead and stay on top of it with the home crowd.
- Mmm, home crowd. Anthem is going to be awesome once again and it should be one of the loudest games ever in the United Center. Get pumped because after two days off, it’s time for more playoff hockey.
Game is at 7 PM CT on Versus. Game 4 is Sunday at 2 PM CT on NBC. I’ll try to get a recap/preview up, but I’ll be out of town this weekend.
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