The Stanley Cup finals for 2015 has the Chicago Blackhawks up 1-0 in the series after winning over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first playoffs matchup on Wednesday and now the teams will battle in Game 2 on Saturday as TB tries to get the series to 1-1 instead of a tough 2-0 hole heading west to the United Center for Game 3.
The Blackhawks are going for their third Cup in five years and the team comes in after winning over the Ducks in seven games. The Lightning won over the Rangers and they also won in seven games and now they are looking to keep the series from going to 2-0 in favor of Chicago. The Lighting got a goal from Alex Killorn in the first period to take a 1-0 lead in the game, but they could not hold it.
The Blackhawks did not score until the third, but they made it count, as both Antoine Vermette and Teuvo Teravainen scored to give the team the win. The Lighting were the best home team in the NHL this season, but the Rangers won on their ice and now the Hawks had as well. The Lightning have a laughable rule at home that in certain areas fans cannot wear Blackhawks gear and now their vaunted home ice advantage could really disappear.
Corey Crawford was lights out after giving up that one goal, making 22 saves, while Ben Bishop showed that he is a bit overrated after allowing two goals in the third period. Bishop shut out the Rangers in Game 7, but that was more about the Lighting D than how good he played. Bishop can be overmatched because of his size and the Blackhawks have too many good players for the Lighting to handle. The series now has Game 2 on Saturday and the next two matchups after that will be in Chicago at the United Center where the Blackhawks play very well.
The Lightning have to find a way to win Game 2, or they likely will not win this series. The Lightning are a young, cocky and inexperienced team, while the Blackhawks are the exact opposite. The Hawks have won Cups already and players lie Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith have all scored huge goals in the playoffs. Kane is leading the Hawks with 20 points and 10 goals, while Keith has 17 assists. Tyler Johnson has 12 goals and 20 points for TB, while Steven Stamkos has 10 assists.
Check here for the NHL Stanley Cup Finals Standings and schedule.