[Sport] NHL Playoffs 2013 - Round 3

[I'm trying out something new for my NHL playoffs series this year. Since there are so many games, I'm going to watch the highlights each day and jot down some thoughts on each one. I'll add a summary of each series once it's decided, and put up the post when the round is complete.]

Round 3 was exciting on paper, with the Stanley Cup champions from the last four years facing off to see who would get the chance to lift the trophy once more. But whilst there were some good games, the round as a whole didn't really live up to expectations.

Blackhawks vs Kings

Game 1: A fairly quiet game by both teams' standards. Not much to say. Crawford too slow behind the goal and gave away a soft goal for the Kings. The Blackhawks piling on the pressure to score a couple of unspectacular goals in the 2nd period to win.

Game 2: First game jitters out of the way for both teams. Blackhawks on form for the first half of the game, and raced out to an insurmountable lead. Kings pulled some of it back with some good plays and a lucky bounce, but couldn't get over the large deficit.
Game 3: This one was the Kings' game from start to finish. The Blackhawks didn't really get a look in during the first period, but managed to hang in the game to keep it close. Crawford was brilliant in goal, and kept the score close, otherwise this would have been a washout.

Game 4: A close, scrappy match that swung from one team to the other. The Kings looked to be on top at the start, but the Blackhawks kept them honest. Both goaltenders let in some soft goals this time, but it was a turnover that sealed the win for the Blackhawks.
Game 5: A fun game to finish the series, with a winner in 2nd overtime. The Blackhawks looked like they were in control at the start of the game, but the Kings showed great resolve to pull it back, including a goal with 9 seconds left to tie the game! In the end though a breakaway by the Blackhawks led to the winning goal.
Final score: 4-1 - The series started off fairly low key, but quickly ramped up. Both goaltenders played very well, but Quick seemed to struggle a bit more with his defensive players. The Blackhawks' attacking force continued to show well, but the Kings too scored a lot of well-worked goals. The final score probably doesn't reflect the level of competition that was on show.

Penguins vs Bruins

Game 1: Not what I expected from this game. The Penguins were impressive in attack, but Rask was outstanding and denied them time and time again. In return, the Bruins were able to capitalise on the turnovers the Penguins were creating and score some well-worked goals. Good for them, disappointing for the Penguins.

Game 2: Terrible game from the Penguins, but great from the Bruins who didn't give either opposing goaltender find their feet properly. They pounced on every available opportunity, whilst the Penguins struggled to even get shots on target. If it carries on like this, the Bruins will take the series easily. They look like a cohesive unit, whilst the Penguins look desperate.
Game 3: 2nd overtime, and it nearly went to a 3rd! Much better game from the Penguins, although they still look shaky in defence. Vokhoun was much better, but was let down by the people in front. Good penalty killing from both teams, but the Penguins were giving up breakaways all over the place again. Bruins look very strong indeed, and are working well as a unit.
Game 4: A close, low-scoring game. The Penguins looked desperate, and on the back foot the whole game. The Bruins were skating with confidence, and looked more like a team than a group of individuals.
Final score: 0-4 - Well I didn't see this one coming. The Penguins get swept by the Bruins, and after losing the first game they never really looked like they were ever going to get back into the series. The Bruins were a more cohesive, more confident team, and much better defensively. The Penguins looked shell-shocked, and scrappy. Very disappointing for them, but the Bruins will be on a big high after this and difficult to beat.

So the Stanley Cup finals will be the Chicago Blackhawks against the Boston Bruins. I'm pleased that one of my favoured teams has made it, and I think it should be a good match-up. Both teams have shown that they work well as cohesive units, and both goaltenders are in good form. The Blackhawks probably have the more potent attack, but I think the Bruins just edge them defensively. I'm going to give the edge to the Blackhawks, but I think it'll go all the way to 7 games.