The Chicago Blackhawks have been one of the most consistent teams throughout the shortened 2013 NHL season. With the ability to dominate opponents on both ends of the ice, Chicago was undoubtedly the favorite to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.
All the offensive firepower and physical defense didn't frighten or deter the goalie of the Detroit Red Wings, however. After dropping the series opener 4-1 in Chicago, the veteran Red Wings fired back in a big way, reversing the Game 1 outcome as they evened the semis on the strength of their own 4-1 victory.
As the series now shifts to Detroit, the Red Wings will look to build off their impressive victory when they welcome in their playoff foes for Game 3. The puck is set to drop on Monday, May 20 at 7:30pm, EDT with television coverage available through the NBC Sports Network and CBC television.
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Following a dominant performance by the Chicago Blackhawks in the series opener, Detroit answered with a complete effort of their own, controlling the time of possession while not allowing the Chicago offense to get loose -- something the Red Wings defense struggled with in Game 1.
The strong performance from Detroit clearly grabbed the attention of their opponents as the Blackhawks are fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
"I noticed the pace of their game was a lot higher," Hawks forward Patrick Sharp said to NHL.com after the Game 2 loss. "Their compete level was higher and they clearly wanted that game more than we did. I think we can play a lot better than we did. To beat these guys, you've got to play hard from start to finish.
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Henrik Zetterberg has been phenomenal this postseason, pacing the Wings with 10 total points on the strength of 3 goals and 7 assists. With tremendous ability on both sides of the puck -- as evidenced by their big performance last game -- Chicago may be in for a bigger fight than most of the team originally thought, a mindset Patrick Sharp knows can't exist moving forward.
"The Wings are good and if anyone thought anyone was going to cruise through this series, they were wrong," Sharp said to ESPN reporters. "Look at the talent they have out there and how well they play their team game. We know it's a great series."
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Through two games, the Western Conference semifinals truly has been great and with the crucial Game 3 just around the corner, the intensity level will surely pick up as the contests move along.
Be sure to catch Game 3 of the NHL's Western Conference Semifinals on Monday, May 20 at 7:30pm, EDT. Television coverage will be provided by both the NBC Sports Network and CBC television.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS From Detroit's 4-1 Victory Over Chicago In Game 2:
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