For the last two straight seasons, the Stanley Cup champion has been able to emerge with the chalice in spite of the fact that their respective power plays bordered on abominable. In 2011, the Bruins were able to withstand having an only 11.4% conversion rate on the advantage, and last year’s Kings were only marginally better at 12.8%, both historically bad percentages. And unfortunately for the Blackhawks, this year’s Kings don’t appear to be tempting fate by trying the same method that had worked the previous two seasons.
Moving on back, it’s now time to turn the analytical eye towards the Kings’ blue line, which is slightly revamped after last year’s Cup run. Some of the faces might be different, but the look and feel of this outfit remains the same, with a fairly even split of flash and brawn keeping things away from the ultimate safety net in the crease behind them.
No rest for the wicked. The Hawks, and worse yet ourselves, will only have two days of recovery. Which means we must immediately turn our eyes to the next item on the docket, the small matter of the defending champs.
I think both sets of fans have been eying this series since the opening game of the season, if not a lot longer than that. I know Hawks fans have had this team circled as by far the biggest obstacle in the West, and I’m pretty sure Kings fans have targeted the Hawks since The Streak. It also feels that with how realignment will shake the league out, this probably is not the last time these two will tango to see who plays for the Chalice.
I think we’re destined to do this…..forever.
No rest for the wicked. The Hawks, and worse yet ourselves, will only have two days of recovery. Which means we must immediately turn our eyes to the next item on the docket, the small matter of the defending champs.
I think both sets of fans have been eying this series since the opening game of the season, if not a lot longer than that. I know Hawks fans have had this team circled as by far the biggest obstacle in the West, and I’m pretty sure Kings fans have targeted the Hawks since The Streak. It also feels that with how realignment will shake the league out, this probably is not the last time these two will tango to see who plays for the Chalice.
I think we’re destined to do this…..forever.
It was never going to be pretty, and it could have been a lot uglier, but this was pretty damn butt ugly. In a back and forth affair, the Hawks never really looked in-step with one another, and they ultimately got what they deserved from the L.A. Kings.
It was never going to be pretty, and it could have been a lot uglier, but this was pretty damn butt ugly. In a back and forth affair, the Hawks never really looked in-step with one another, and they ultimately got what they deserved from the L.A. Kings.
vs. 
FACEOFF: 7pm Central
TV/RADIO: NBCSN, WGN Radio 720
WHY DID I MOVE TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?: The Royal Half, Surly and Scribe, Jewels From The Crown
After two weeks, four games, and maybe slightly more teeth-gnashing than there should have been, the Hawks return home to start the sprint to the finish of the season. It begins with the third home back-to-back of the year, kicking off with a visit from the champs, the Los Angeles Kings.
vs.
FACEOFF: 7pm Central
TV/RADIO: NBCSN, WGN Radio 720
WHY DID I MOVE TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?: The Royal Half, Surly and Scribe, Jewels From The Crown
After two weeks, four games, and maybe slightly more teeth-gnashing than there should have been, the Hawks return home to start the sprint to the finish of the season. It begins with the third home back-to-back of the year, kicking off with a visit from the champs, the Los Angeles Kings.
Our long national nightmare is over, as there is now an actual NHL hockey game in the books for us to cover, and it’s about goddamn time. And give the Hawks credit, the display they put on today is about as good as anyone could have drawn it up. Two points are two points, and the giant SAMPLE SIZE asterisk for any and all points made from here on out is attached, but even still, this was quite emphatic.
