vs. 
FACEOFF: 7pm Central
TV/RADIO: NBC for Yanks, CBC for hosers, 87.7 FM
WALKING IN L.A.: The Royal Half, Jewels From the Crown
So for the first time this postseason, the Hawks find themselves even after just two games, having lost for the first time at Fort Kickass on Madison. To regain the lead, the Hawks will have to do something they haven’t done since in San Jose in 2010. That’s win their first game on the road in a series. That’s right, it’s been that long.
Going back over something I may have left out in the aftermath of Game 2 and heading into Game 3.
-The score kind of blights it, but the Kings and Hawks at even-strength had the same amount of Corsi events, Fenwick, and shots on goal. That might lead some to conclude that we had a return of “CRAW-STINK IS TERRIBLE” but really only Carter’s goal would I have a problem with (Muzzin’s was pretty perfectly placed). Just one of those things where their power play scored one more goal than the Hawks (and the Hawks really can’t lose the special teams battle because this makes it clear just how even they are at equal strength) with the Kings punching back on the counter.
Really I think it just illustrates how even these two teams are, and how all of us might have gotten carried away a little by Game 1 and the first 38 minutes of Game 2.
Clownshoes: Chicago Tribune
The list of things better than the 3rd period is incredible: Hockeenight
Blow by Blow results: Sportsnet
Well I know who has a better diet: ESPN
So much for timing: 538
Well that was a weird one. I’m trying to think of another playoff game that the Hawks had in their pocket so clearly and then just let it slip out in such fashion. Game 3 and 4 against Detroit last year, especially Game 4, weren’t as bad as they looked. But they don’t measure up. Game 2 against Boston last year where the Hawks absolutely horsed the Bruins in the 1st period but only emerged with a one-goal lead came to mind. But the Hawks watched that one get turned over on them from the start of the 2nd on. Can’t really come up with one.
Still, as good as the Hawks were for the first 38 minutes–and it may be as good as they’ve been this entire spring–two goals is still in that bloop-and-a-blast range. Well, the Kings got two bloops and two blasts, and the Hawks find themselves tied in a series they really should have by the balls. Part of the reason they don’t is the stubborn and insipid decisions their coach keeps on making.
Box Score
Event Summary
Extra Skater
Earlier today, I was debating whether or not I should watch this game from home or if I should head to the bar. After a long day at work, I thought it was best if I go to my couch. I didn’t want to drink tonight, I had decided. And when Kris Versteeg put in a goal off a great move off the boards that bounced passed Bryz, I thought I might just be able to get away with a game where the temptation wouldn’t be that much. After all, a game where the Hawks score a goal before the opponents even record a shot is a damn good thing. “They’ll put this away early. I’ll get the recap up and have a good night’s sleep”, I hoped.
That plan went to shit about 2 and half minutes into the second period.
I had a bit of a discussion on this on Twitter on Monday, as I was watching yet more slobbering over Jonathan Quick and I was drinking. My best Twitter debates tend to come when I’m at the bar and I have time to kill. I’m sure I’m not alone in that.
Anyway, the narrative once again is that Jonathan Quick is dragging the Kings kicking and screaming through the playoffs. And I suppose that blue line beneath Drew Doughty does need some bailing out from time to time. But it got me to thinking:
59 games – 35-24, 8 shutouts, .928 SV%, 2.12 GAA
46 games – 27-18 3 shutouts, .925 SV%, 2.03 GAA
The top is Quick’s career playoff numbers. The bottom is Crawford’s. As you can see, other than the shutouts they’re almost identical. Ah, but I’m sure people will point to the Conn Smythe that Quick got and Crow doesn’t have. Ok then.
Quick’s 2012 run – 16-4 .946 SV%, 1.41 GAA
Crawford’s 2013 run – 16-7 .932 SV%, 1.84 GAA
Obviously, Quick’s run to the Cup was a little better, but not by all that much. And in 2012, Quick’s last three opponents didn’t finish in the top half in the league in scoring (and Vancouver was without Daniel Sedin courtesy Duncan Keith and Ryan Kesler was being held together by duct tape and hope), whereas last year’s Kings and Bruins both finished in the top half in scoring. We could easily make the argument that Crow had a tougher path to the Cup than Quick did.
I had a bit of a discussion on this on Twitter on Monday, as I was watching yet more slobbering over Jonathan Quick and I was drinking. My best Twitter debates tend to come when I’m at the bar and I have time to kill. I’m sure I’m not alone in that.
Anyway, the narrative once again is that Jonathan Quick is dragging the Kings kicking and screaming through the playoffs. And I suppose that blue line beneath Drew Doughty does need some bailing out from time to time. But it got me to thinking:
59 games – 35-24, 8 shutouts, .928 SV%, 2.12 GAA
46 games – 27-18 3 shutouts, .925 SV%, 2.03 GAA
The top is Quick’s career playoff numbers. The bottom is Crawford’s. As you can see, other than the shutouts they’re almost identical. Ah, but I’m sure people will point to the Conn Smythe that Quick got and Crow doesn’t have. Ok then.
Quick’s 2012 run – 16-4 .946 SV%, 1.41 GAA
Crawford’s 2013 run – 16-7 .932 SV%, 1.84 GAA
Obviously, Quick’s run to the Cup was a little better, but not by all that much. And in 2012, Quick’s last three opponents didn’t finish in the top half in the league in scoring (and Vancouver was without Daniel Sedin courtesy Duncan Keith and Ryan Kesler was being held together by duct tape and hope), whereas last year’s Kings and Bruins both finished in the top half in scoring. We could easily make the argument that Crow had a tougher path to the Cup than Quick did.
Pitt Rolls: TSN
The “reformed one” returns: MST
Swedish Silence: CSN AP
Still confident: Chicago Daily Tribune
Iron Mike happy behind the once Iron Curtain: CBC
I’m back and no I didn’t get pushed into the Grand Canyon by my wife!
3: ESPN
Shaw out: Chicago Tribune
Penguins Win: Sportsnet
Fountain of Youth: TSN
Kings win: LA Times
I think this is awesome?? Puck Daddy
Finalists for the players MVP: Globe and Mail
