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Western Conference Finals

Chicago Blackhawks @ Detroit Red Wings – Game 5

2 – 1 Loss OT

Damn Red Wings. What a great game with a crappy outcome.

Quick rundown of the game.

Huet kept the Hawks in this game, as they allowed the Red Wings far too many quality scoring chances. The Hawks looked good on the PK, keeping Detroit off the board through the first.

The second period was more of the first. The Hawks did have a 4 on 3 early in the period and failed to get anything generated on net. A prime opportunity to jump out to a lead gone by. The majority of this game was played 5-on-5, which has been a big problem for the Hawks. In this series, they have only scored 5 goals skating 5-on-5. In general, the Wings defense did an effective job on the Hawks offensive threats, only allowing a  2 goal a game average. Against a scoring machine like Detroit, 2 goals will not be enough. And I have heard enough about “Ozzy” and “The Wizard of Oz”. He played a good game tonight, but in general, with Detroit’s system, you could slap an Red Wings jersey on a pylon and get a GAA of under 3.oo.

The 3rd period, the Hawks pressed and had the better of the play. Six minutes into the third, Dan Cleary was left in from to redirect a shot from the point past Huet. Detroit up 1-0. After that goal, the Red Wings seemed to be the team that took control of the play. As time ticked away on the season, a harmless looking rush from Kane along the near boards found the back of the net. Patrick carried along the boards and whipped a backhand fron the bottom of the circle that beat Osgood top shelf. Tied up with 7 minutes left in the game. The final minutes were end to end and finished with a highlight film save from Huet to force the game into overtime.

The OT was all Detroit. They had puck possession and gave the Hawks a difficult time clearing the zone. Just under 4 minutes into extra time, Detroit scores on a rebound. Game Over. . .

The Hawks have had problem controlling the front of the net in this series. Both goals were a direct result of that traffic. On Cleary’s goal, he was alone in front for the redirect. On the OT goal, the Hawks left 2 Wings alone in front of Huet. Huet made the save, Holmstrom jams the puck free, which slides across the goal mouth. Helm, who had an impressive game for Detroit, was also left alone to tap in the loose change.

From the first shot Huet faced, he was tested early and often. He was solid and deserved a win. Hopefully his performance in Game 5 gives the Hawks a little reassurance of his Huet ability. He just needs to bring that game every night.

So the season has come to an end. A great playoff run on an unexpected season of success.

Positives:

× Huet stood on his head.

Negatives:

× No Blackhawks hockey for 4 months.

× Huet deserved a win.

Game Notes:

×None of any interest now.

MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):

×Cristobal Huet – this game could have been early if it wasn’t for Huet’s performance. He faced 21 shots in the first period alone.

Series:

Game 1:  DET 5, CHI 2
Game 2:  DET 3, CHI 2 OT
Game 3:  CHI 4, DET 3 OT
Game 4:  DET 6, CHI 1
Game 5:  DET 2, CHI 1 OT

Detroit WINS the Series 4-1

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2008030325

Western Conference Finals

Detroit Red Wings @ Chicago Blackhawks – Game 4

6 – 1 Loss

What is there to say about Game 4. The Hawks had a prime opportunity to even the series up and shorten it to a best of 3 series in front of a home crowd. Instead this game started as an old fashion ass kicking. Along the way, the Hawks made it easier by losing all composure in what can only be described as a meltdown. Frustration showed as the Hawks racked up 16 penalties. Roughing and cross checks were wild in this debacle.

The game started with a few roster surprises. Huet was in for Khabibulin, who was a scratch with an undisclosed injury. Havlat was in the line up after the big hit from Kronwall just 2 days ago. For Detroit, Datsyuk and Lidstrom were out. The first Detroit goal, Campbell carried the puck into the Wings zone and got caught deep on the transition. This left Barker alone on a 2-on-1 that found the back of the net. The 2nd Detroit goal was in the final minute of the period. Franzen carried the puck over the Hawks blue line and threw a weak wrister on net, through Campbell’s legs and past Huet, top shelf stick side. Not a sharp period from Huet and the Hawks.

The second period opens up with the Hawks short handed due to a complete mystery of a call. As the opening period came to an end, all skaters on the ice gathered along the near boards, as we saw a lot of in this game. So, out of the scrum, one penalty was assessed, to Walker. Detroit scored on this man advantage off a rebound. Huet made the save on Hossa, but Filppula had an empty net off the rebound. Almost 4 minutes into the 2nd, the Hawks were on the PP, and Toews scored on a rebound. Things were starting to look up and the Hawks were not out of this game quite yet. That feeling left the building exactly 12 seconds later when, from off the draw, Hossa walked in around Versteeg and scored on Huet. Detroit up 4-1 and Huet gets the hook. In comes Crawford, who was welcomed into the game with a 5-on-3 PK that had no chance. I don’t understand how Chicago had the best PP numbers in the playoffs, while Detroit has made it look so easy. Zetterberg scored on a nice little backhand to increase the Wings lead and dominance in this game. The Hawks couldn’t clear the zone and were scrambling far too much.

All game, the Hawks were taking stupid penalties and that continued through the 3rd. Power play after power play, with no effective kill to be found. Midway through the 3rd, Zetterberg scored another goal on the PP. This game was over. In all essence, it was over when Hossa scored to counter the lone Hawks tally. That seemed to throw the Hawks off whatever game plan they had going in. Can’t really say they lost their discipline, since it was not there from the opening face off.  Final 6-1.

This was it, a pivotal game that the Hawks needed. Now they are at the brink of elimination and are forced to win 3 straight against the defending champs. I am not sure the Hawks can take anything positive away from this game. In addition to getting their asses handed to them and losing all composure, Havlat left the game after another hit and his status is uncertain. Maybe his return was premature. Khabibulin’s return is also uncertain.

Game 5, we should see the best game of the season from the Hawks, or it’s time to hit the links.

Positives:

× None

Negatives:

× Everything about today’s game

Game Notes:

×Khabi is listed day-to-day. Havlat left the game early, didn’t return to the bench for the 3rd.

MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):

×None

Series:

Game 1:  DET 5, CHI 2
Game 2:  DET 3, CHI 2 OT
Game 3:  CHI 4, DET 3 OT
Game 4:  DET 6, CHI 1
Game 5:  @ Detroit, Wed. 5/27, 7:30 p.m. ET
*Game 6:  @ Chicago, Sat. 5/30, 8:00 p.m. ET
*Game 7:  @ Detroit, Mon. 6/1, 7:30 p.m. ET
* if necessary

Detroit Leads the Series 2-1

http://www2.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2008030324