The Chicago Blackhawks are searching for answers to questions remaining about how the lost Game 3 and the lead in the series in the Stanley Cup Finals. The team is not looking to blame forward Marian Hossa, but it is clear the absence hurt. Hossa's scratch was simply described as "upper" as Chicago tries to hide the exact injury in order to avoid giving the Boston Bruins an upper hand. Hossa is expected to return for Game 4.
The Blackhawks continue to struggle on the power play. The Blackhawks are now 0-for-20 on the power play and have yes to convert a goal since Game 2 against the Los Angeles Kings. They are also 1-for-27 on the power play on the road. Boston's power-play kill is lethal with a 88.9 percent success rate. The Blackhawks must improve in the circle after losing 40 of 56 draws. That could change with Hossa back.
The Boston Bruins are on a roll in the Finals, mainly due to their goaltending. Tuukka Rask stopped 28 shots in Game 3 to get the shutout win on Monday. The team is now two wins away from the second Stanley Cup in three seasons. Boston will look to take advantage on their home ice before the series heads back to Chicago for Game 5. The Bruins won 71 percent of the faceoffs and eliminated every chance Chicago had of scoring.
History is not in the Blackhawks' favor. Since the Finals wen to a seven-game format, teams that win Game 3 go on to with the Cup 21 of 25 times. Tampa Bay was the last team to drop Game 3 and still win the Stanley Cup. That happened in 2004.
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