The opening frame of tonight’s game in New Jersey certainly did not go the way the Blackhawks were hoping, as they find themselves down 3-0 to Devils after 20 minutes in Newark. The Devils got goals from Lee Stempniak, Kyle Palmieri, and Travis Zajac in the period, with Palmieri and Zajac scoring just 26 seconds apart late in the frame. The Devils outshot the ‘Hawks 13-8, and had 9 scoring chances compared to the Blackhawks 2. Certainly not the start that Chicago wanted, but we learned earlier this week that a 3-goal lead after the first period is anything but a sure thing. Let’s hope we’re on the right side of that lesson this time.
It will be interesting to see if Coach Q sticks with Corey Crawford in this period, or makes a switch in crease and sends Scott Darling out.
Discuss the middle period here! Let’s go Blackhawks!