Hawks Need To Change Their Strategy To Win Game Two

By Staff in News on Apr 14, 2012 6:00PM

The Hawks tried to beat Phoenix at their own dump-and-chase game Thursday and were almost talented enough to do it. Almost. But if they’re going to win Game two, they need to get back to playing their normal game and not the gritty style in which the Coyotes excel.

The Hawks came out of the gate Thursday skating fast and fired off shot after shot, resulting in an early lead and plenty of chances. But once they slowed down, their momentum vanished and so did the lead. If they can replicate their first period and maybe, just maybe, score on the power play, they’ll have a great chance to tie up the series.

There were a lot of things to like in the Blackhawks overtime loss Thursday. As a team, and as individuals, they dug deep and overcame some of the miscues that ended up in the back of the net. For one, Patrick Kane was invisible for large portions of the game but ended up notching the key assist that sent the it into overtime. Plus after Game one and last year’s Vancouver series, goalie Corey Crawford is starting to show a knack for playing well in the playoffs.

If the Hawks get back to their fast-paced, puck-possession style for Game two, they should be heading home with the series tied 1-1.

And yes, Raffi Torres plays for Phoenix now. Where’s John Scott when you need him?

— Rob Winn