Chicago Counting on Stanley Cup Experience in Game 4
During the NHL playoffs, history is what provides an idea of what is ahead. In the locker room of the Chicago Blackhawks, the history must become the present and fast. For only the first time this entire postseason, Chicago has lost two consecutive games after losing Monday night at home in Game 3 to fall behind in the Stanley Cup Finals 2-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Chicago has to bounce back in Game 4 on Wednesday or face the possibility of Tampa Bay hoisting the Stanley Cup on Saturday at home. The thought is sobering given how successful the Lightning have been during the series thus far
Tampa Bay has scored the first goal in each of the three games and twice was able to erase deficits during a game to win. They have shutdown Chicago’s top players Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to just a single assist over three games.
Yet, if discontent exists within the ranks of the Blackhawks not a trace of it has been shown.
That is how things happen, when you build the team Joel Queeneville has built as the Chicago head coach going 40-14 from Game 4 forward in playoff series.
With that experience, it is easier not to exaggerates wins and over internalize losses.
Toews said that emotions run very high and very low. One day you are a winner in round one and you think you will reach the Cup finals. The next day the team loses and the thought enters your mind that you could be eliminated.
However, Toews says with experience Chicago players know that rollercoaster ride of emotions does not have to be ridden and you can dig deep to find a way to return and win after tough losses.
Some wonder how the Blackhawks accomplish it but Brent Seabrook a defenseman says it is not just one thing. The players all come together and work their tails off to win especially when their backs are to the wall.
Obviously, Chicago does not want to trail 2-1 in any series, especially the Cup Finals, but all they do is focus on the upcoming game and worry about winning that one and not what is beyond.
Chicago trailed Boston in the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals 2-1 and it appeared Boston was in control. Yet the Blackhawks ran off three consecutive victories to win the Cup.
No one can write the Blackhawks off just yet. It appears the Lightning has had the better of the entire series thus far, but it appeared that way with Boston in 2013. Chicago knows a 3-1 hole could be too big to bounce back from, so they will be looking to win at home tonight to head back to Tampa Bay tied 2-2.
Chicago is favored at -160 while the Lightning are +150 and the goal total is 5.5 with the UNDER sitting on -135.
