Anaheim surely looked impressive in Game 3 of the NHL Western Conference Finals last night. After C Marcus Kruger stunned the Ducks crowd at the Honda Center in Game 2, Black Hawks fans definitely hoped that they had gained home ice advantage for the remainder of the Western Conference Finals series. Not so fast, the Ducks kept the Black Hawks in check for all three periods in Game 3. They also showed themselves resilient on five power-play penalties allowing no goals within their short-handed streches. Frederik Andersen showed us exactly why he is acclaimed one of the best goalies in the NHL. The pluck flew rapidly towards his net 28 times and all but the terrific back-handed goal by Patrick Kane in the 2nd period were deflected. The Anaheim Ducks dictated the tempo of Game 2 with their physical defensive play and yes, the Ducks registered a total of 45 hits, exposing the tentative delicacy of the Chicago offense and sealing the win 2-1 to take a 2-1 series lead. Avoiding the physicality the Ducks bring to the ice is not an option for Chicago, but after just a one point loss in Game 2, the Black Hawks should be all but discouraged.
What Chicago needs to do going forward is find a way to get more shots on goal. All three games have been highly competitive indeed, but only one team can come out on top. The frontman for the Chicago Black Hawks look a bit timid against Ducks adversaries Corey Perry and Kessler who continue to be a crash collision for the Black Hawks. Patrick Kane and Paul Kruger ought to get it together if they plan on making the type of Stanley Cups run that gave them the cup title in the 2012-13.
Can the Ducks take a 3-1 series lead back to Anaheim?
Watch Game 3 of the Chicago Black Hawks vs. Anaheim Ducks NHL Western Conference Finals Saturday at 8:00 p.m. E.T on NBC. NHL fans worldwide can agree that the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs has been a complete thriller. THE BIRTH LLC supports the NHL and will provide continuous updates throughout the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
