The Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings will meet for the second time in postseason history in the Western Conference Finals.
The two sides met in 1974 when Chicago took down Los Angeles in five games. The two sides met three times this season; Chicago won two of the three including the Stanley Cup banner raising ceremony on opening day. Chicago also won 3-2 on Feb. 17. However, the Kings took the most recent match on March 25 with a 5-4 win in Chicago.
This Postseason
The defending Champions have played 13 of a possible 14 in returning to the Western Conference; a year ago they only needed nine games to reach the penultimate round. The one major constant from last year's run and this postseason has been the play of reigning Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick. The netminder has a .948 save percentage and a 1.50 goals against average; he recorded a 1.41 GAA last postseason and a .946 save percentage. The team has been unbeatable at home with seven of a possible seven victories at the Staples Center this postseason; however, the team has only won one of six on the road. Mike Richards' 10 points lead all Los Angeles skaters this postseason.
Meanwhile the Blackhawks went from looking invincible against Minnesota to almost being eliminated by Detroit in the semifinals. Despite falling behind 4-1, Chicago won three straight, including two wins at home. The Blackhawks have won six of seven on home ice this postseason. Chicago has won two of five on the road this post season. Marion Hossa leads the team with 11 points while Patrick Shark has a team-leading seven playoff goals.
Los Angeles Wins If... Its top forwards improve their performances. Richards, Jeff Carter, Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Justin Williams struggled offensively against the San Jose Sharks. The Blackhawks are a tighter team defensively and could easily shut these forwards down. If they do then Jonathan Quick will need to continue his stellar play against the West's top offense.
Chicago Wins If... It shuts down the Kings' offense. It is unlikely that goalie Corey Crawford will outplay Quick; he doesn't need to if his team limits the Los Angeles offense the way San Jose did.
Prediction: Chicago pulls off a seven game victory.
Schedule:
Saturday June 1, 2013 - 5 PM EST
Sunday June 2, 2013 - 8 PM EST
Tuesday June 4, 2013 - 9 PM EST
Thursday June 6, 2013 - 9 PM EST
Saturday June 8, 2013 - 8 PM EST (If Necessary)
Monday June 10, 2013 - 9 PM EST (If Necessary)
Wednesday June 12, 2013 - TBD (If Necessary)
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