Lightning struck Tampa Bay in Game 1, as the Chicago Blackhawks’ experience and end-game poise trumped the younger Bolts in the series opener. Will the ‘Hawks dig Tampa Bay into a deeper hole? Or will the Lightning hit back and even the series in Game 2?
Read on for a full preview of this game. You can also click here to see what the experts are saying about Saturday’s matchup.
[sc:NHLArticles ]Chicago Blackhawks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 2 Preview
Series Scores & Schedule
Game 1 –June 3, 8:00 PM ET— Chicago Blackhawks 2 at Tampa Bay Lightning 1– view all NHL lines
Game 2 – June 6, 7:15 PM ET—Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning
Game 3 – June 8, 8:00 PM ET –Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks
Game 4 – June 10, 8:00 PM ET –Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks
Game 5* – June 13, 8:00 PM ET –Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning
Game 6* – June 15, 8:00 PM ET – Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks
Game 7* – June 17, 8:00 PM ET – Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning
*If necessary
Betting on the Chicago Blackhawks
[sc:NHL240 ]The Chicago Blackhawks can boast of a band of superstars, but it was the supporting cast which starred in their 2-1 win in Game 1. Down by a goal late in the third period, the Blackhawks relied on the exploits of Teuvo Teravainen and Antoine Vermette, who each scored a goal in a span of two minutes to lift the Blackhawks to victory. With the win, Chicago improves to 3-1 over its last four road games.
Vermette, who scored the game winner, is the Blackhawks’ trade deadline gift that keeps on giving. Vermette is averaging just a shade under 14 minutes of ice time this postseason, but has three goals (two were game winners) three assists and a plus/minus of +5 thus far these playoffs.
But the player that shone the brightest in the series opener was Teravainen. The 20-year old, who scored the game-tying goal and assisted on Vermette’s game winner, became the second-youngest player behind a teenage Jaromir Jagr to have multi-point game in Stanley Cup Final since 1990.
The third line composed of Patrick Sharp, Vermette, and Teravainen is heating up at the right time for the Blackhawks, as the trio has combined for four goals and eight assists since the conference finals. Scoring depth is a big key in this series for the ‘Hawks, and their third line making things happen in Game 1 is a good sign for Chicago. That said, the Blackhawks still need production from their stars if they are to win the Cup again.
Patrick Kane (10 goals in the postseason) and Jonathan Toews (nine goals) were visibly bothered by the pesky defense of Tampa Bay in Game 1, even when they were playing in the same line. Chicago must dominate puck possessions to give the duo more scoring opportunities. The ‘Hawks were outshot by Tampa Bay in Game 1, 23-21.
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Betting on the Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay’s loss in Game 1 taught the Lightning a lesson: never take your feet off the gas until the final buzzer sounds. The Lightning were in command for most of the game, but their apparent decision to sit back and play conservatively in the dying minutes backfired. The loss stopped the Lightning’s home win streak against Chicago, as they’re now 4-1 in their last five games against the ‘Hawks at Amalie Arena.
But aside from their lackadaisical approach in the third period, everything the Lightning did the rest of the game was effective. The young Lightning forwards were flying all over the ice right early, as the team outshot Chicago at even strength in the first period, 24-11.
The Bolts’ relentless attacks and speed were causing Chicago headaches in Game 1. If the Lightning keep that kind of intensity for an entire game come Saturday, they’ll be in good position to level up the series before heading to Chicago.
Alex Killorn, who scored the Tampa Bay’s lone goal in Game 1, is the team’s third leading scorer this postseason with eight goals. Killorn and Steven Stamkos were the most active Lightning on offense in the series, as they took five shots on goal each. Watch out for these two players in the next game, as they have proven their abilities to find shots when Corey Crawford is in front of the net.
Writer’s Prediction
Tampa Bay wins, 4-2.
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