Game Four Will Define The Blackhawks’ Season

It’s been quite a ride for the Chicago Blackhawks. But it could all come crashing down around them tonight, as the Boston Bruins have the opportunity to take a 3-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final.

Jun 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie

(50) looks back into the net after losing sight of the puck while making a save during the third period in game three of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

The Blackhawks left their fans feeling hopeless after a dreadful Game Three performance. They were not strong in key areas, such as faceoffs, neutral zone play, both offensively and defensively, and the terrible powerplay. However, someone had to be winning 2-1 at the end of Game Three. The Blackhawks have no tune to remorse. They need to dust themselves off and get back to their dominating style of play tonight.

A lot of games come in a season, but there’s a select few that define them. The Blackhawks 8-1 win in Dallas, or the shootout thriller in Calgary, for example, were great moments in the regular season. Now all the cards are on the table. The Blackhawks have a huge opportunity ahead of them tonight; Win Game Four, and they get to tie the series, and head back to the best fans in sports with momentum on their side. It will make a 3-2 series lead seem not too hard to imagine. They have gotten their much-needed wake up call, and the Bruins are about to receive theirs tonight. The Blackhawks were an excellent road team in the playoffs. They came up against strong competition in Game Three of the Detroit series, with Jimmy Howard playing red-hot just as Tukka Rask has. They came back from that deficit despite a Game Four loss, however they can’t do the same in this series. They know what it takes to get a big first goal, and carry that momentum wire-to-wire. That’s what they need to do tonight. Boston’s fans cannot have a chance to get into this game.

The Blackhawks know what they need to do. No one was impressed with their performance on Monday, including them. Many players will have to redeem themselves after sub-par appearances. They are 3 wins away from a Stanley Cup. There’s no stopping now.

Three Games.

One Goal.

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