Following a series-opening thriller that eventually saw the Chicago Blackhawks defeat the Boston Bruins in 3 overtimes, the final two teams in the NHL Playoffs met once again in Chicago for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Much like the opener, the Hawks and B's played to a tight contest that eventually headed to overtime, providing tons of excitement for everyone at the United Center and the millions more watching from home.
After falling behind in the first period, the Bruins tied the game up at 1 in the second period when Chris Kelly found the back of the net 15 minutes into the frame. With the third period ending without a goal, the teams headed to their second-consecutive Finals overtime game but this time, the road team found themselves on the fortuitous side. When Daniel Paille scored at the 12:08 mark in overtime with his first career postseason overtime goal, the Bruins and Blackhawks were all tied up a one game apiece as the series now shifts to Boston.
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When and Where to Watch Game 3
With the series now a best-of-five battle, Boston will host Chicago for Game 3 on Monday, June 17th. The puck will drop at 8:00pm, EDT with television coverage available through the the NBC Sports Network. Those choosing to watch the game on-line can find a live stream by visiting NBC Sports Live Extra. Pregame coverage begins at 7:00pm, EDT.
Game 3 Preview
With the home ice advantage back on their side, the Boston Bruins prepare to play their first game at home this series against the Chicago Blackhawks. With back-to-back overtime games creating a brilliant start to the finals series, it's no surprise that two teams who've won Stanley Cups recently - Chicago in 2010 and Boston in 2011 - have provided fans with thrilling hockey to start the Finals.
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Falling behind 1-0 entering the second period, Boston looked completely out of sorts on both ends of the ice, getting outshot by their opponents 19-4 during the first 20 minutes of action. Not expecting his team to perform with a lackluster performance early again in Game 3, Bruins head coach Claude Julien - who jostled around his lines to create more scoring opportunities to start the second period - says the home ice should aid the team in starting the game more efficiently on Monday night.
"I don't think our team has played a bad first period like that in a long time," Julien said to NHL reporters. "I don't expect it to happen again. We're back in our building, where we have our fans. I think our guys are going to be excited about that. Nonetheless, we have to have a better start. You learn from past mistakes. That's a mistake I think our team hopefully has learned."
While Boston will surely be satisfied with a series tie as they return home for Game 3, the Chicago Blackhawks must feel as though they should be up 2-0 after letting Game 2 get away from them. Rising star Corey Crawford made 26 key saves for the Blackhawks but when Paille scored in the overtime session, the goalie's work was all for not as the Bruins were able to tie the series.
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After a strong first period that saw them take a 1-0 lead, the Blackhawks thought they'd given themselves a two-goal lead moments later when Marian Hossa forced a puck in the back of the net. The referee lost his view of the puck and blew the play dead , nullifying the goal and keeping the game at 1-0. The 2010 league champions never found the same energy moving forward and they know a significant improvement will be needed if they're to take back control of the series.
"You've got to kind of swallow this one and move on," Patrick Sharp, who scored the Hawks' only goal in Game 2 said to ESPN reporters. "We know what's on the line in this series and going into Boston's going to be tough, but we're ready for the challenge. We'll find a way to be better for Game 3."
Wrap-Up
Chicago's level of talent from top to bottom on their roster may be tops in the league but because they're opponents have a plethora of talent on their roster, lethargic performances similar to the last 50-plus minutes of Game 2 won't be good enough to win the Hawks another Stanley Cup.
Be sure to watch all the action in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Monday, June 17th. The puck will drop at 8:00pm, EDT with television coverage available through the NBC Sports Network. An on-line live stream can also be found by visiting NBC Sports Live Extra. Pregame coverage begins at 7:00pm.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS From Boston's Game 2 Overtime Victory
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