The Detroit Red Wings will look to even the Western Conference semifinals when they take on Chicago in Game 2 Saturday.
Detroit held Chicago to a 1-1 draw after one period of play in Game 1. However, the team imploded for 36 shots against in the final two periods and wound up losing 4-1.
"In the first period, except for the first shift, I thought we did a good job staying on top of them," Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. "Then in the second and third, for some reason, we ended up watching them play hockey instead of just going after them."
In order for the Red Wings to improve, they must shutdown Patrick Sharp. After a mediocre regular season, Sharp has exploded on the scene with six goals and three assists in six playoff games; he leads all Chicago players in points this postseason. He put up a three point game in the first matchup against DetroitWednesday.
"I'm sure he loves it, all the attention," Chicago forward Patrick Kane said of his linemate. "Hopefully as time goes on, we'll take a little bit of that pressure off him. I think that's the thing with our team. If one or two guys aren't scoring, other guys are stepping up -- Hossa, Sharp and other guys too. That's how it's been all year, another guy keeps stepping up every night and produces somehow."
"He's been really good," Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford said. "That quick shot of his just handcuffs goalies sometimes ... surprises them. His speed is underestimated, just how fast that guy can skate with the puck. He's definitely one of our top guys and we need him to be at his best, which he has been."
Prediction: Detroit bounces back with a 4-3 win in Game 2.
Start Time: 1 PM EST
TV: NBC
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