Red Wings vs Blackhawks Game 7 Preview: Experts Share Thoughts
By Josh Sanchez
With the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks entering a do or die situation in Game 7 tonight, we took the time to speak with our own editors about the upcoming game. Keith Schultz of FanSided’s Blackhawks website Blackhawk Up and Peter Fish of FanSided’s Red Wings blog Octopus Thrower weighed in to give their thoughts about tonight’s game.
What did our resident experts have to say? Check it out.
From Blackhawk Up:
The final Central Division game to ever take place is sure one to remember.
What To Expect: 60 minutes (or more) of the best hockey you have seen either team play all year. One of them has to go home, and they would both like to be the ones to end the other’s season. They won’t leave anything in the tank. Chicago shouldn’t be in this position, and they have to prove they are still the best hockey team in the world.
Match-Up to watch: Datsyuk/Toews. These two should be the best two players on the ice. They need to use their skill and speed in all ends of the ice, and their back check will be a focus as they are both Selke candidates. They should be meeting in the face off circle more often than not, and every puck drop will be a battle. They are both leaders and will be working just as hard in the room and on the bench to lead the rest of their respective clubs to a victory.
Key Player: Corey Crawford. He has been amazing all season long, and throughout the playoffs. His Achilles heel is the weak goal. The second Detroit tally was a prime example, and in the 2012 playoffs weak overtime goals were the eventual killer of the Hawks. He needs to have his best game of the year tonight. Detroit can not have a lead at any point in the game, and Chicago needs the crowd on their side at all times.
Prediction: The Hawks complete the comeback with a hard fought 3-2 victory.
From Octopus Thrower:
In two game the Detroit Red Wings went from closing out the series early to a game seven after a terrible third period collapse.
What To Expect: As of now, the Detroit Red Wings do not know how to play a full 60 minute game so it is tough to expect a lot from the Wings in game seven, but I do expect them to move on to the Western Conference Finals.
Match-Up to watch: Jimmy Howard vs Corey Crawford. Despite the Hawks winning in game six it was a pretty even game in net, but in game seven Jimmy Howard has to out play him.
Key Player: Henrik Zetterberg will not be matched up against Jonathan Toews in tonight’s game so Zetterberg needs to step up and put the Wings on his shoulders.
Prediction: It will be a tough hard fought game and the team with more goals will win the game, I just hope that team is the Red Wings.
Who do you think will come out of Game 7 on top? Sound off in the comments section and share your thoughts.