It appeared as though the series would be heading to Los Angeles with Chicago holding a 2-0 series lead. But hockey is a three-period game, although Chicago may be wishing it was only a forty minute game. After going in to the second intermission down 2-1, the Kings score five third period goals, including three in a 5:50 span to begin the final frame. Two back-to-back powerplay goals in less than three minutes sparked the Los Angeles charge. The Kings never looked back, eventually winning by a decisive 6-2 final. The Blackhawks played a great two periods of hockey, but ultimately careless penalties lost the game for them. Will this third period prove to be a turning point in this series, or can the Blackhawks comeback recover from this meltdown? Crawford did not have his best effort in net tonight, allowing some soft goals. Chicago will need a better performance from their goaltender, especially if Quick continues to play well. The Western Conference Final has now become a best of 5 series after Los Angeles hands Chicago their first home loss this postseason. Thank you for tuning in to Vavel USA , and we will see you Saturday evening for Game 3 from Los Angeles.
Third Period 00:00: Kings win 6-2, tying the series at 1.
Third Period :50: The Drew Doughty powerplay goal has been given to Jeff Carter, giving him a hatrick tonight.
Third Period 3:31: Kings goal! Jeff Carter sends the puck one hundred feet down the ice in to a gaping Chicago cage, making it 6-2 Los Angeles. That makes five third period goals for the Kings, tying a team playoff record for most goals in a period.
Third Period 4:00: In an act of desperation, Chicago has pulled their goalie. A lot of time still on the clock, but the Hawks need a lot to get back in this game.
Third Period 4:00: Final TV timeout. The Hawks are really pressing to get back in this game, consequently allowing many odd-man rushes. Los Angeles was able to convert on one of them, making it a four goal third period for the Kings.
Third Period 5:16: Kings goal! Jeff Carter makes the most of an odd-man rush, wristing one past Crawford's stick side. 5-2 Kings.
Third Period 8:00: Jonathan Toews- who has been quiet tonight- sets up Marian Hossa for a one-timer, but Hossa only finds pipe, hittng the post behind Quick.
Third Period 8:55: Second TV timeout. Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson are once again showcasing their skills on a grand stage this postseason. The two young Kings combined for the fourth goal, proving the theory of playing up until you actually hear a whistle.
Third Period 11:01: Kings goal! A Crawford blocker save sails high in to the air, leading the Hawks goaltender to seemingly think the puck hit the protective netting. However the whistle did not blow, apparently because the puck did not hit the netting. Pearson retrieved the puck from behind the net to feed Toffoli, who buries the puck high over the glove of Corey Crawford.
Third Period 12:00 Los Angeles looks like the Kings again. They have the forecheck going and they are grinding away in the Hawks zone. Better late than never.
Third Period 13:46: First TV timeout. The momentum has swung completely to the Los Angeles side after the two powerplay strikes to start the third period. It seems as though the Hawks forgot their game in the locker room during the intermission. Both penalties could have been avoided by smart play, but nonetheless, the Kings made the most of the opportunities courtesy of Blackhawk mistakes.
Third Period 15:56: Kings powerplay goal! Jake Muzzin wires one from the right faceoff dot, beating Crawford high to the blocker side. Two powerplay goalss in less than three minutes makes it a 3-2 Kings lead.
Third Period 17:10: Chicago is called for too many men on the ice. Brandon Saad will serve the bench minor. Kings are back on the powerplay.
Third Period 18:23: Kings powerplay goal! Drew Doughty's point shot goes above Crawford's blocker undetected to tie the game at 2. Jeff Carter was screening the Chicago goalie, and may have tipped the initial shot.
Third Period 18:46: Brandon Bollig to the box for interference results in a Kings powerplay.
Second Intermission: Shots were 11-10 in favor of the Kings. ​Los Angeles also lead in hits by a count of 18-10. The Kings continued their masterful work on faceoffs, winning 17 of 27 draws in the middle frame.
Second Intermission: From a Blackhawks Perspective- While they did not look as strong in the second, the Hawks still had a decent period. Defensively, they are doing a marvelous job limiting the Kings chances. The majority of the shots faced by Corey Crawford have been from the perimeter. Chicago is not allowing the Kings anything in the slot or in front of Crawford. With the exception of the last five minutes, Chicago played a second period worthy of the lead they currently own. If they can continue to contain the Kings, they can head to Los Angeles with a 2-0 series lead.
Second Intermission: From a Kings Perspective- The first fifteen minutes of the second period were as dreadful as the first period for Los Angeles. The last five minutes found the Kings able to get their forecheck going, which lead to the Williams goal. After the goal, the Kings seemed to find some life, putting more pressure down low on the Hawks. The Kings can hope to take this momentum in to the third period to rally for a tie. Los Angeles continues to dominate on the draws, and they are finally turning in to chances. If they can continue to win the faceoffs and create chances off the wins, they can look to catch Crawford and put the puck past him.
Second Period 1:46: Kings goal! Justin Williams sneaks a redirect past Crawford's pads. 2-1 Blackhawks.
Second Period 3:55: Final TV timeout. Los Angeles is getting more chances on Crawford, but they need more. It's about time the chances are generated by the Kings. If they can get one late in this period, they can hope to take that momentum in to the room for the second intermission.
Second Period 7:17: Jonathan Quick makes a beautiful save on a Hawks 2 on 1 rush.Kris Versteeg saucered a pass to Brent Seabrook, but Quick stretched post to post to deny the opportunity.
Second Period 8:15: After icing the puck, Los Angeles takes their timeout.
Second Period 9:02: Second TV timeout. The Kings are showing some signs of life, but they need much more to dig themselves out of this 0-2 hole. The shots are 15-14 at this point in favor of Chicago, but that stat does not reflect the game properly. Still all Chicago.
Second Period 9:34: Brown with a chance on Crawford, but the save is made.
Second Period 11:00: Chicago is all over the Kings, controlling the puck in the Los Angeles zone. The Kings need to establish some attack zone time to get back in this one.
Second Period 13:22: First TV timeout. Jarret Stoll tags Patrick Kane with a big hit in front of the Los Angeles bench, much to the dismay of the Chicago bench. The Kings need to get back in to this game, and physical play may help.
Second Period 14:41: Justin Williams goes hard to the Chicago cage, making contact with Crawford. The Hawks goalie is still down on the ice, seemingly not feeling too hot.
Second Period 15:46: Anze Kopitar throws a muffin of a shot on the Hawks goal, but Crawford saves it easily. Sadly, the best chance so far for the Kings in the second period.
Second Period 18:20: Blackhawks goal! Ben Smith is the recipient of a beautiful pass that catches the Kings in the middle of a line change. Smith carried the puck in on Quick and beat the Los Angeles goaltender on the stick side. 2-0 Blackhawks.
Second Period 19:12: Los Angeles has killed off another penalty. Teams are back to 5 on 5 hockey.
Second Period 19:59: The Hawks start the second with some carry-over powerplay time from the Doughty minor.
First Intermission: Shots in the first period were 9-8 in favor of the Hawks. The Kings lead in hits by a 9-6 count, and Los Angeles was the better team on the draw, winning 13 to Chicago's 6.
First Intermission: From a Blackhawks Perspective- A strong start for Chicago here in Game 2. The Hawks were the better team in the first twenty, out-skating the and out-chancing the Kings. The Hawks were 1 for 3 on the man advantage in the period, but if the Kings continue their penalty parade, Chicago can look to build up their powerplay efficiency. They need to continue this level of play in the middle frame. Anything less would only leave the door open for the Kings, enabling them to get back in this game.
First Intermission: From a Kings Perspective- Weak start to Game 2. Old habits seem to die hard with the Kings, as they continue to go to the box and allow the Hawks some powerplay time. When the teams are at full strength, the Kings have failed to generate anything down low in the Hawks end. Los Angeles needs to get to the Hawks defense and establish the forecheck before the Hawks exit their own zone. The Hawks defense had no problems making the first breakout pass, allowing Chicago to exit their own zone with ease. The Kings have to make this game harder on Chicago if they hope to even the score.
First Period 1:12: After Brandon Saad dangled Drew Doughty, Doughty had no choice but to take down Saad. Doughty is called for holding, Hawks back on the powerplay.
First Period 2:14: The Blackhawks are back to full strength.
First Period 2:40: Chicago is not allowing the Kings powerplay any chances, suffocating the Los Angeles powerplay and eliminating virtually any shooting lane.
First Period 4:14: Final TV timeout. Los Angeles is heading back to the powerplay. Nicklas Hjalmarsson held up Dustin Brown, and is serving time for interference as a result. Los Angeles needs to respond to the Chicago powerplay goal if they do not want to go in to the first intermission down one.
First Period 5:44: Blackhawks powerplay goal! Nick Leddy beats Quick high with a backhand shot and makes it a 1-0 Chicago lead.
First Period 6:52: No goal, but Willie Mitchell is serving a cross-checking minor. third powerplay opportunity for the Hawks.
First Period 6:52: The previous play is under review after the puck appeared to possibly cross the goal line behind Jonathan Quick.
First Period 7:00: The Blackhawks seemed to have built momentum off the penalty kill, making Quick work hard in the Los Angeles net.
First Period 7:28: Chicago has successfully killed off the Handzus minor. Still no score.
First Period 9:28: Second TV timeout. Los Angeles is heading to their first powerplay after the timeout. It could not have come for a better time for the Kings since it has been all Chicago early on. Michal Handzus is sitting for two minutes for holding.
First Period 10:33: Los Angeles answers back quickly with a chance of their own. Kopitar and Gaborik combine for a stellar opportunity, but Corey Crawford keeps Los Angeles scoreless.
First Period 10:57: Jonathan Quick loses his helmet while making a huge save on Chicago's Ben Smith. Easily his best save so far. Still no score.
First Period 12:39: First TV timeout. The Kings were able to kill off the 5-3 advantage, but they must stay out of the box to keep Chicago off the scoreboard. The Blackhawks are too strong on the powerplay, and although the Kings have a great penalty kill unit, it will only be a matter of time before the Hawks strike on the man advantage.
First Period 12:46: The Blackhawks have failed to convert on the extended powerplay opportunity. Both teams are back to full strength. Still no score.
First Period 14:08: The Kings have killed off the Mitchell penalty; still a powerplay for Chicago.
First Period 14:46: Matt Greene hooks Brandon Saad, putting the Hawks on a 2-man advantage.
First Period 16:08: Kings Captain Dustin Brown appears shaken up after a physical shift.
First Period 16:08: Chicago goes on the powerplay for the first time in Game 2 after Willie Mitchell is called for interference. The speed of Patrick Kane created this powerplay for the Hawks.
First Period 18:09: Los Angeles has only one shot to their credit early on, but has won all four faceoffs. If the Kings can continue their strong play in the faceoff circle, they can hope to build some chances as a result.
First Period 20:00: Matt Greene replaces Jeff Schultz on the Kings blueline this evening.
The National Anthem has rallied the United Center Faithful, and the teams are ready for the opening draw.
Game 2 is a pivotal matchup for both teams. Chicago is looking to stay undefeated at the United Center this postseason. Through the first fifteen games on these playoffs, the Hawks boast a perfect 7-0 on home ice. The Kings are 5-3 as the visiting team thus far in the postseason, but are heading in to tonight’s contest keen on handing the Hawks their first home loss since March 23 ( Chicago is currently riding a eleven game home winning streak). Los Angeles would like to go back to the Staples Center tied at a game a piece. However, they have been down by two games (and more) before this spring, and they’ve found a way back each time. The Kings may want to make things a bit easier on themselves this time around though. Chicago went up 2-0 in the previous series against Minnesota, only to have the Wild win Games 3 and 4 at the Xcel Energy Center. The Hawks will of course want to defend home ice and head to Los Angeles with 2 wins in their back pocket. Can The Hawks keep a perfect record in the windy city, or will the Kings respond with a Game 2 win to tie the series? Tonight’s opening faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM Central Time from Chicago’s United Center. Stay with Vavel USA throughout the contest for up to the minute scores and analysis.
Los Angeles has found much success from the line of Jeff Cater, Tyler Toffoli, and Tanner Pearson. Coach Sutter has paired the two young Kings with the veteran center, making Sutter look like a genius. Carter lead Los Angeles in Game 1 with six shots, and Toffoli and Pearson engineered the lone tally for the Kings. The ‘70’s Line’ (Carter wears 77, Toffoli wears 73, Pearson 70) has been a great story so far for the Kings. Their success only bolsters the Kings scoring depth, which is a great need for a team that has a reputation for lacking offensive production. One can expect this line to stay together tonight, using their speed and skill to produce chances against Crawford and the Hawks.
The combination of Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa has been fantastic thus far for Chicago this postseason. The two have combined for 24 points (Toews: 6G, 5A, Hossa: 2G, 11A) through the thirteen Blackhawk playoff games through the first two rounds (and Game 1 of this series). The two are skating on a line with big Bryan Bickell on the left side. The enigma known as Bickell has seemed to regain his scoring touch this postseason. After posting a mere 15 points in 59 regular season games, Bickell has already racked up 9 points in 13 playoff appearances this spring. Los Angeles fans will remember Bickell as a King slayer in their Western Conference Final last season. Bickell torched the Kings for seven points in five games during the 2013 WCF on 3 goals and 4 assists. The Toews-Hossa-Bickell trio was effective in Game 1, and should be a handful for the Kings heading in to Game 2.
One position that is not expected to see any changes for either team is in net. Jonathan Quick is slated to start for the Kings opposite of Corey Crawford for Chicago. Both goalies played well in Game 1, further demonstrating why they are two of the premier goaltenders in the NHL. Although Crawford only faced twenty-six shots in Game 1, he turned aside all but one. In a game that found both teams playing well, Crawford’s play in the Chicago cage was a major factor contributing to the Hawks victory. Jonathan Quick only saw twenty shots from the Blackhawks, but three of those shots found a way past the Los Angeles goalie. Look for the resilient Quick to respond with a brilliant effort for Game 2.
Recent reports hinted at the possible return of Andrew Shaw to the Hawks lineup for tonight’s tilt. It appeared as though the lower-body injury that has kept Shaw out of the lineup has dissipated after Shaw took part in a 45 minute skate Wednesday morning, but the centerman is again out of the lineup for the Hawks in Game 2. As a result of this news, expect Chicago not to make any lineup changes going in to Wednesday night’s game. No lineup changes are anticipated for Los Angeles at this time, but Coach Darryl Sutter may have plans to tweak his lineup. Stay tuned for any updates on who the Kings dress tonight.
Game 1 of the series was an even contest, as both teams seemed to control the pace of the game at times. However, it was the Hawks who claimed the victory, beating the Kings 3-1. Corey Crawford was big in net for Chicago while Brandon Saad (1G, 1A) and Marian Hossa (2A) led the way offensively. Tyler Toffoli collected the lone Los Angeles goal in Game 1.
Good evening, and welcome to Vavel USA’s live coverage of the Western Conference Finals, featuring the NHL’s last two Stanley Cup Champions.