CHICITYSPORTS – Chicago Sports  Blog – News – Forum – Rumors – Fans
  • BEARS
  • BULLS
  • BLACKHAWKS
  • CUBS
  • WHITE SOX
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Navigation
  • About Us
  • Chicago Sports Podcasts
  • ChiCity+
  • CHICITYSPORTS – Chicago Sports Blog – News – Forum – Rumors – Fans
  • Get In Touch
  • Join Our Group
  • Newsletter
  • Our Writers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending
  • Report: The Chicago Bears reveal a new philosophy for 2023
  • Former Chicago Bears starting quarterback signs surprise extension
  • Chicago Bears: new trade option for defensive end emerges after restructure news
  • Chicago Bears: ESPN Analyst Destroys Ryan Poles For Poor Draft Planning
  • Justin Steele named early Cy Young candidate
  • FOCO releases new Snoopy bobbleheads as part of Peanuts Collection
  • Chicago Bears Urged to Add 4-Time Pro Bowl Edge Rusher
  • Ryan Poles will have to find pass rush help elsewhere, Chase Young not available
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Our Writers
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
CHICITYSPORTS – Chicago Sports  Blog – News – Forum – Rumors – FansCHICITYSPORTS – Chicago Sports  Blog – News – Forum – Rumors – Fans
  • BEARS

    Report: The Chicago Bears reveal a new philosophy for 2023

    May 19, 2023

    Former Chicago Bears starting quarterback signs surprise extension

    May 18, 2023

    Chicago Bears: new trade option for defensive end emerges after restructure news

    May 18, 2023

    Chicago Bears: ESPN Analyst Destroys Ryan Poles For Poor Draft Planning

    May 17, 2023

    Chicago Bears Urged to Add 4-Time Pro Bowl Edge Rusher

    May 16, 2023
  • BULLS

    RUMOR: Bulls named as the ‘most interesting’ Deandre Ayton trade suitor

    May 12, 2023

    Dennis Rodman’s son to join LeBron Jr. at USC

    May 10, 2023

    Alex Caruso makes All-Defensive First Team

    May 9, 2023

    Jordan 1 Low OG ‘Black Toe’ set to release in 2023

    May 8, 2023

    Hollinger: Chicago Bulls are potentially great landing spot for NBA Villian

    May 4, 2023
  • BLACKHAWKS

    The Connor Bedard Effect in Chicago

    May 9, 2023

    Chicago Blackhawks 2022/23 Season Recap

    April 17, 2023

    WATCH: Jonathan Toews scores goal in final game with Blackhawks

    April 13, 2023

    Jonathan Toews to play last game with the Chicago Blackhawks

    April 13, 2023

    BREAKING: Chicago Blackhawks trade Patrick Kane

    February 28, 2023
  • CUBS

    Justin Steele named early Cy Young candidate

    May 17, 2023

    FOCO releases new Snoopy bobbleheads as part of Peanuts Collection

    May 17, 2023

    Cubs calling up Christopher Morel

    May 8, 2023

    Former Chicago Cubs pitcher hints at possible return

    May 8, 2023

    Chicago Cubs to promote Matt Mervis

    May 4, 2023
  • WHITE SOX

    FOCO releases new Snoopy bobbleheads as part of Peanuts Collection

    May 17, 2023

    WATCH: The Chicago White Sox have completely given up at this point in pathetic video

    April 29, 2023

    Luis Robert a major positive in an otherwise bad start for the Chicago White Sox

    April 19, 2023

    Chicago White Sox Players Frustrated With Early Injuries

    April 12, 2023

    White Sox place SS Tim Anderson on IL

    April 11, 2023
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Facebook Twitter Instagram
CHICITYSPORTS – Chicago Sports  Blog – News – Forum – Rumors – Fans
Home»Blackhawks»Western Conference Finals: Kings at Hawks
Blackhawks

Western Conference Finals: Kings at Hawks

Z PBy Z PJune 1, 20135 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Email
Kings Leddy
Kings Leddy
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

After rallying back from a 3 – 1 series deficit, the Chicago Blackhawks managed to push through to the Western Conference Finals and will match up against the Los Angeles Kings Saturday afternoon at the Madhouse for Game 1. Both teams are coming off exhilarating, down-to-the-last-second Game 7’s that, no doubt, gave the teams some confidence going into the third round of the playoffs.

But both contenders would tell you that last round doesn’t matter and that the next match-up is the only thing on their minds. Indeed, both teams will have their hands full in all areas of the ice. Chicago’s second and third lines have been phenomenal both in the regular season and the postseason. LA’s defense has combined for 18 points through 13 games this postseason. Michael Frolik and Marcus Kruger have led Chicago’s Penalty Kill and only allowed 1 of 41 attempts. And then there’s Jonathon Quick.

Quick is arguably one of the best goaltenders in the league – his high level of play allowed him to lead his team to a Stanley Cup last season. This postseason, he ranks atop the NHL in goals allowed on average (1.70), save percentage (.948) and shutouts (3). He has the ability to see lanes and make stopping the puck look easy, whether or not there is a screen. He’s also got very strong legs – helpful when stifling a stuff attempt that may have caught him out of position.

Quick’s greatest strength, perhaps, is his confidence in the net which leads him far from the crease to cut down angles. It requires the shooter to make a snap decision, not always easy when a defenseman is hassling you. It requires patience, diligence and control to thwart Quick’s confident attack.

Jonathan Toews must be reviewing his crease-attack options in his sleep. One of Toews’ greatest strengths is lowering his shoulder to take the puck to the hole. He demonstrates control, poise and strength while charging to the net and fending off a defenseman. He can be patient enough to make Quick pay for his confidence. His teammate Marian Hossa can do the same – he is strong with the puck and can maintain control of the puck with more than one opponent hassling him. These two can make for a deadly one-two punch on the top two lines for Quick.

Chicago’s defense has allowed Corey Crawford to relax a little bit, especially in the final three games of the semifinals against Detroit. Crawford sits right behind Quick in the standings with a 1.70 GAA, a .938 save percentage and one shutout in the postseason. On average, he faces about 26 shots per game, certainly not a formidable number for a goaltender in the postseason. As marvelous as his numbers are, the defense in front of him has made a huge impact.

Duncan Keith averages over 24 minutes of ice-time per game, second only between these two contenders to Drew Doughty (27 minutes). Keith was also recently reunited with his former linemate from 2010, Brent Seabrook – who scored the overtime game-winner to send Detroit home on Wednesday night. These two skate hard (Seabrook) and fast (Keith) to allow for a pair that can dizzy an opponent.

Kieth and Seabs are not unlike LA’s defensive unit of Slava Voynov and Rob Scuderi, who have combined for 9 points (4G, 5A) in 13 postseason contests. These two can be tough to handle in the zone – they are aggressive and have great speed to join the rush if caught off-guard. Behind the top defensive line of Doughty and Robyn Regehr, Chicago’s offense may have their hands full.

LA’s offense, however, does not seem to pack the same punch as it did during its Stanley Cup run last season. Despite Richards’ 8 assists and Carter’s 5 goals, LA has played 1-goal games in 11 of 13 postseason contests – a stark contrast to the Eastern Conference (ahem, Pens). It’s not that the skill is not there or the lack of Jarret Stoll (though he is missed), it’s the lack of sufficient production. The ability to score shortly after the opponent scores kills momentum, but the ability to rack up a 2-or-3-goal lead fares much better. LA has not been able to put a stranglehold on its opponents in the postseason, and the Blackhawks have an opportunity to capitalize on that.

If it can be simplified to such a degree, this is what will determine if the Hawks can take out the defending Stanley Cup Champions:

  1. Is Quick working hard to stop the puck, or is the LA defense taking much of the heat (shot blocks, rebounds, etc.)
  2. Is the physical play frustrating either team? (LA averages 40 hits per game – 5 from Captain Dustin Brown)
  3. Is Chicago dumping and chasing into the zone or carrying it? *cough* Leddy *cough*
  4. Is Kane, Sharp or Hossa registering on the score sheet?

These questions should be kept in mind throughout the series because they are some of the biggest factors of determining who will move on to the Stanley Cup Finals. Quick can be exploited if he’s exhausted. Big hits can result in PPs and falling out of position. Puck control is key. And the big guys needs to be scoring – or at least assisting the little guys.

The Western Conference Finals begin Saturday at 3 p.m. CT. The full schedule with broadcast information is below.

 

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

Featured; Blackhawks; Stanley Cup Playoffs
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
The Worst Things Bart Simpson Has Ever Done Ranked
Z P
  • Twitter

Chicago sports.

Related Posts

Blackhawks May 9, 2023

The Connor Bedard Effect in Chicago

Blackhawks April 17, 2023

Chicago Blackhawks 2022/23 Season Recap

Blackhawks April 13, 2023

WATCH: Jonathan Toews scores goal in final game with Blackhawks

Blackhawks April 13, 2023

Jonathan Toews to play last game with the Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks February 28, 2023

BREAKING: Chicago Blackhawks trade Patrick Kane

Blackhawks February 22, 2023

Chicago Blackhawks hit win streak in the month of February 2023

Leave A Reply

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Team Message Boards

bears TP
bulls TP
cubs TP
sox TP
hawks TP
we want you to write
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
  • Home
  • Message Board
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Our Writers
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
© 2023 ChiCitySports. Designed by Dope Guys Who Run ChiCitySports.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

x
x