Detroit Red Wings get second straight against Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 – NHL Playoffs
After upsetting a home game for Chicago in the second matchup, Detroit continued with the momentum and downed the Blackhawks back-to-back, this time on their own turf as Red Wings took hold of the series with
a strong 3-1 finish.
Game 3 was one that many fans looked forward seeing how both teams were level after two matchups, but with the 2013 National Hockey League (NHL) Playoff Semifinals going to Detroit, experts wondered whether if
Chicago would fall on the Red Wings home-ice.
Chicago had been a strong team throughout the 56-game shortened season and easily managed to take down the Minnesota Wild in just five games, but Detroit seems to be a whole different challenge for them.
"I thought we had close games with them all year, they just came out on top," said Detroit forward Patrick Eaves, according to NHL.com. "I feel like we can play with these guys. We know they're a great team and
we have to respect that, respect their skill. But we've been getting better. As long as we keep getting better on a nightly basis I think that's all we can worry about."
The Joe Louis Arena was packed with fans from both sides but a clear majority was swaying with the home team. While the opening 20 minutes were mostly filled with penalties and incidents of roughing, Detroit
stole the scene with their back-to-back goals in the second period of regulation.
Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller, both scored less than a minute apart to take Detroit to a comfortable 2-0 lead entering the final period. Patrick Kane got Chicago back into the match with his second of the postseason
at 4:35, but the Red Wings were just too much for Chicago as Pavel Datsyuk closed it at 6:46.
"It takes something like this to slap you in the face, so to speak, to really understand what adversity is and how tough the playoffs can be," Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said.
Chicago will now have plenty of time to correct their mistakes as Game 4 is scheduled for Thursday at 8 PM ET, at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
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