Chicago Blackhawks still angry over Game 2 loss

May 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) during the third period of game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center. Los Angeles won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) during the third period of game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center. Los Angeles won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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For nearly 40 minutes of play, it appeared that no one would be able to handle the Chicago Blackhawks. For almost two periods — and going back to Game 1, five periods — the Chicago Blackhawks had been making mince meat of the second best team left in the playoffs. Then the LA Kings struck late in the second period to cut the Hawks 2-0 lead in half. Then they scored again. And again. And again. And again. And, yes, one more time.

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In less than 25 minutes, the Hawks watched a 2-0 lead, and their perceived dominance over all things NHL, dissipate in one fell swoop. The curtain fell as Jeff Carter seemingly scored at will in the third period. The team is understandably peeved, which doesn’t bode well for all things Game 3. No matter. The Kings now at least have an idea of what it looks like to pepper Corey Crawford with good shots and see a few go in. Maybe that will be the difference in what appears to be a matchup of teams separated by a razor thin margin.

Now we have a series and the distinct possibility that the Chicago Blackhawks may not win the next six Stanley Cups after all. Whew. No wonder the team’s mad. Once again, the LA Kings have proven that they are also among the toughest outs in the NHL. Once again, hockey fans are being treated to some of the finest hockey the NHL playoffs have to offer.