The Chicago Blackhawks have more offensive talent than any team in the Western Conference, but the primary reason why this franchise is just one win away from another Stanley Cup Final appearance is its remarkable defensive performance during the playoffs.
Chicago took a stranglehold on its conference finals matchup against the Los Angeles Kings with a 3-2 victory at the Staples Center on Thursday to take a 3-1 series lead.
The Blackhawks played brilliant defensive hockey in Game 4, which is really impressive when you consider the fact that top shut-down defenseman Duncan Keith missed the contest because he was suspended for a high stick on Kings forward Jeff Carter in Game 3.
Throughout the conference finals, the Blackhawks have done a tremendous job of defending the Kings' top playmakers, including Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter and Dustin Penner.
Los Angeles has averaged only two goals per game in the playoffs, the fewest of the four conference finalists. The Blackhawks' bottom-six forward group, including players such as Michal Handzus, Viktor Stalberg and Andrew Shaw, have outplayed their Kings counte ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Nicholas Goss
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