What a difference a series makes. That must be what both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Los Angeles Kings are thinking.
The Blackhawks, on their way to taking a 2-0 series lead are finding much more room to skate against the defending champs so far. With a Game 2 explosion from almost everybody but their big guns, the Hawks look like a totally different team. After digging themselves out of a 1-3 series deficit against the rival Detroit Red Wings, Chicago has played every game as though it might be their last.
Los Angeles is used to losing on the road in the playoffs (so far), but certainly didn’t expect their hero, Jonathan Quick to get sent for an early shower in Game 2. Center Mike Richards was a game time scratch for the Kings in Game 2 after a heavy hit from David Bolland in the series opener. Though Richards is one of the best defensive centers in the NHL, his presence wouldn’t have made a difference in the second game.
Obviously the Blackhawks are in the driver’s seat in the conference finals. Being up 2-0 in a best of seven series is the best possible scenario, however it hardly guarantees a pass to the next round. At this point in the playoffs, every win is more difficult than the last one.
The Kings find themselves in a somewhat familiar place. In the first round St. Louis took the first two games of the series before Los Angeles rallied, winning the next four games to take the series. The Blackhawks aren’t the Blues however, and the Kings will need a much bigger effort if they think they can beat Chicago.
Los Angeles has plenty of pride though and will make it difficult for Chicago. I fully expect the Kings to hold serve and at least win the next game at home. Jonathan Quick will play more like the 2012 Conn Smythe winner and the Kings will find their scoring touch. Chicago has proven that they can win anywhere though. That is the biggest difference between the two teams this season.
The Blackhawks are looking like the team that couldn’t lose to start the 2013 season. They have made the Kings look slow and tired through the first two games. Every game that Corey Crawford wins makes him look more and more like the Conn Smythe favorite.
The Los Angeles Kings know the formula to get to the Stanley Cup Final. They better figure out how to apply it to the 2013 playoffs because they are running out of time. Chicago only needs two more wins to get to the next round and there is no reason to believe that they will take their foot off the gas. I originally predicted a seven game battle but this one might be over much sooner.