Blackhawks: The Good and Bad from Games 1 and 2 in Tampa

The Chicago Blackhawks are headed back to Chicago for Games 3 and 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Chicago was able to split the first two games of the finals in Tampa after winning the opening game of the series and losing on Saturday night 4-3 in Game 2.

The Blackhawks have both good and bad things to take from the first two games and this will share a few of each of them with you.

The Good

1. Chicago got what it ultimately wanted in Tampa – a win. It would be great to win both games, but realistically one win is what the Blackhawks were looking for. By winning Game 1, Chicago took home ice advantage away from Tampa. In two of the three previous series in the postseason, the Blackhawks split their two opening road games against their competitors.
2. For Tampa to win the series at this point, they will have to win once at Chicago’s United Center where the Blackhawks have a 7-1 record during this season’s playoffs.
3. Teuvo Teravainen a rookie for Chicago is now a consistent threat to score. He followed his goal and assist performance during Game 1 with another goal during Game 2. Since he was a healthy scratch for Game 3 during the finals of the Western Conference, he has scored 3 goals and 3 assists in six games. The second unit on the power play is stronger thanks to Teravainen playing better, as he scored in Game 2 on the power play.

The Bad

1. The Blackhawks top two players Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane have been held in check for the two first games. An assist in Game 2 by Toews is the only point between the two.
2. Coach Joel Quenneville said he was not too worried about his two top players are playing. Chicago has not taken many penalties, but the lack of stick discipline by Patrick Sharp during the third period hurt them. Sharp was called for slashing early in the third period. The Blackhawks withstood that man disadvantage, but when he came out of the penalty box, he got involved with a play and took a high sticking call. This time the Lightning scored the power play, which proved to be the game winner.
3. Corey Crawford was given the label of OK by Coach Quenneville following Game 2. He gave up 4 goals on just 24 shots in the game. He faced only two third period shots, but one beat him. Crawford must play better going forward or the Blackhawks could find themselves on the short end of the stick when it comes to the Stanley Cup.

Nevertheless, the Blackhawks will be home for the next 2 games in the series and could head back to Tampa up 3-1.