The Chicago Blackhawks will look to bounce back from an embarrassing 4-1 loss against the Red Wings in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Chicago's fans were stunned as their team was thoroughly dominated by Detroit just nights after the Blackhawks embarrassed the Red Wings 4-1 in Game 1.
"They have the momentum right now, so we've got to get it back somehow," Chicago forward Patrick Kane said. "That starts with maybe letting this one slip behind us and getting ready for the next one. That's what we'll try to do and try to have a good start to Game 3."
One of the players that will need to step up for Chicago is Captain Jonathan Toews. After scoring 29 points in 22 playoff games to win the Conn Smythe trophy back in 2010, Toews has tallied three assists in seven games thus far this postseason. He was hounded and beaten by Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg throughout the second game.
"I wouldn't say it's a wake-up call," Toews said. "I think we know exactly what we need to improve on and do it right away. There's no time to waste in the series and we know going into their building it's going to be even more difficult than it was today. So, turn the page and make sure we're better in Game 3."
Part of Detroit's success in Game 2 came from the improved play of defenseman Brendan Smith. The rookie was singled out for criticism after Game 1 but his coach Mike Babcock defending his play by blaming the forwards' work ethic. Smith broke out and scored the eventual game winner in the second match.
"It made me feel very good," Smith said of his coach standing up for him. "[Babcock] will tell you how it is. If you don't play very well, he'll tell you. I think we both kind of went over things and we didn't think it was ... all the criticism I got wasn't as bad as people were saying. If I did play a much worse game, he would have told me and would have been honest."
Prediction: Detroit gets a boost from its fans and wins 2-1.
Start Time: 7:30 PM EST
TV: NBCSN
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