With the series tied at 2 games apiece, the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins have played an entertaining final series through 4 games in a championship round hockey enthusiasts expected to be tight. Chicago took the series opener in a triple overtime thriller. Boston fought back to win Game 2 in another overtime classic while also taking Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead. Not wanting to fall behind 3-1 heading into Game 4, the Blackhawks won a high-scoring, 6-5 overtime contest to even the series.
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Heading back to Chicago tied at 2, the Bruins and Blackhawks know how important the next match-up is. Back on their home ice at the United Center, the Blackhawks will surely have their passionate fan base fired up right from the getgo as the key to success in the crucial Game 5 will be a quick start.
When and Where to Watch Game 5
As each team looks to regain series control, Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals will take place on Saturday, June 22nd at 8:00pm, EDT. Television coverage will be provided by the NBC Network. An on-line live stream can also be viewed by visiting NBC Sports Live Extra at 8:00pm as well.
Game 5 Preview
The first 4 games of the 2013 championship series have certainly been above and beyond entertaining and while the excitement level has been tremendous, Game 5 could turn out to be the best meeting so far. Building a two-goal lead at multiple times throughout their last game, the Chicago Blackhawks knew a victory wasn't quite in hand because the Bruins are one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in the league. When Johnny Boychuk tied the game at 5 for the Bruins in the third quarter, the Stanley Cup finals were headed to a third overtime in four games.
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Brent Seabrook notched the game-winner for the Hawks at the 9:51 mark, evening up the series at 2 as each team has now won at least one game on the oppositions home ice. The six-goal showing for Chicago was a welcomed performance, especially since they'd struggled in previous games against Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask. The main focus for Chicago moving forward however, will be getting better on the defensive end.
"It was time to put all those other games behind us, the games where we struggled to score, forget about it, just find a way to do what you do," Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said to NHL reporters. "It was fun to see the puck go in as often as it did tonight. We know we can be better defensively. But we'll use that confidence and try our best to pounce on them in Game 5."
Boston was able to match the offensive output of Chicago in Game 5 until the Seabrook game-winner in overtime and while they've been able to rely on Rask numerous times throughout the postseason - mainly because he was playing shutdown hockey while receiving support from his defensive teammates - Boston head coach Claude Julien realizes the focus needs to be on tightening up defensive holes so the Hawks don't locate scoring lanes with ease.
"I thought we gave them a lot of space," Julien said to reporters. "When we talk about neutral zone, we're not talking about closing a game up and seeing a boring game. We're talking about doing something so that we can regain possession of the puck. And when we regain possession of the puck, we want to get that puck moving in the right direction so we can get a good pace to our game. Sometimes it's misconstrued,, that the neutral zone is about slowing everything down. It's about taking options away. I think Chicago did a great job on Wednesday."
Along with an improved defensive effort, the key to success for Boston will be the continued dominance of Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Lucic and Bergeron supplied 3 total goals for the Bruins in the Game 5 loss and along with the offensive capability of Krejci, this trio is certainly talented enough to put Boston back in front.
Chicago on the other hand, will need a much-improved performance from keeper Corey Crawford at home on Saturday night if they're to return to Boston up 3-2. The rising star has been magnificent this postseason but if the Hawks are to have any chance at winning another cup, the play of Crawford will be key.
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Wrap-Up
With series control on the line, be sure to catch the Chicago Blackhawks host the Boston Bruins in Game 5 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals. The puck will drop on Saturday, June 22nd at 8:00pm with television coverage to be provided by the NBC Network.
Those choosing to watch the game on-line can do so by visiting NBC Sports Live Extra.
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