One series may have taken a turn. Maybe not for the better, either.
Game 3: Chicago vs. Los Angeles.
The 1st period was great for the Blackhawks. Their captain, Jonathan Toews, put in a short-handed goal and another at even-strength. It was 2-1 at the end and things were looking good. Or great. Either or.
And from then on, it just kinda flopped.
They didn't score again until there were five seconds remaining in the third period. So basically, the game was over midway through the third. At least, if it hadn't ended in the second.
After a troublesome third period in Game 2 in which Crawford and the defense had a bad time of it, Crawford's performance in Game 3 was not a whole lot better. He saved 28-of-32, but four goals allowed won't win many games for you, especially when the offense is shut down for practically two-thirds of the game.
Also, other than Toews, nobody else really put their imprint on the game, including the returning Andrew Shaw. Patrick Sharp had the third goal late in the third, which could be meaningful as the series moves on.
It probably bugs Chicago that they were taken out last night by guys who probably weren't expected to be producing. Two of the goals were scored by defensemen, Voynov and Doughty. Gaborik and Kopitar had seven shots combined, but no points. Jeff Carter scored as well, coming off his hat trick in the previous game.
At this point I wonder if it was just a bad day, or something more. I'm inclined to believe that they just couldn't get the chances they needed against Quick; they were close, but not quite there. That's what the score tells me, but seeing so much time elapse between goals might signify something else.
The shots on goal were fairly even, so I don't think it's the "puck possession" that so many rave about that was the difference.
Los Angeles leads 2-1. Game 4 is Monday.
What, no unnecessary days off this time? Apparently not.
Later today, Game 4 in NYC. A Rangers win would give them a 3-1 lead and would calm down this nonsense that it's actually a series.
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