Hawks Lose Control and Game 4
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