Do the Blackhawks Actually Have a Chance?

Remember that Flyers – Bruins series last post-season?  The Blackhawks have it fresh in their memories.

After being down in the series 3-0, the eighth-seeded Chicago Blackhawks have made the series very interesting, winning the last two games in convincing fashion.  After winning game four 7-2, the Blackhawks flew into Vancouver and stole game five, 5-0.  Not only are the Blackhawks staving off elimination, they are chasing Vezina trophy-finalist Roberto Luongo from between the pipes.

After giving up six goals on 28 shots in game four, Luongo was pulled from his net and was replaced by backup Cory Schneider.  Luongo was even more dreadful in game five, letting in four goals on 12 shots, resulting in being taken out of the game yet again.  Luongo’s GAA in these two games is well above 5.00 and his overall GAA has skyrocketed from 1.67 after the first three games to 3.67 overall. 

So the question remains; can the Blackhawks continue this offensive onslaught and steal the next two games away from Vancouver?

Anything is possible in today’s NHL.  In addition to the memorable Flyers – Bruins series are the many upsets that have ensued since the lockout.  From Edmonton’s amazing Stanley Cup Final run in 2006 to Montreal’s miracle ride to the Conference Finals last season, history is showing that the Blackhawks cannot yet be counted out of this series.

Let’s not forget Blackhawk history, either.  The Hawks have won the past two series with the Canucks; don’t think that Luongo doesn’t remember that. 

The Blackhawks have found a way to keep Luongo out of the series, but the hardest job will be to keep the Sedins off the scoreboard.  Dave Bolland and company have neutralized the twins in the past two games (Daniel did score a power-play goal late in game four), but keeping them quiet for another two games will be difficult.  The Sedins have mustered just nine shots on goal in the two Chicago wins.  If one of those shots would have went in, this series would have been over already.  When the Sedins get on a roll, they are hard to control.

Another key for the Blackhawks is to keep Marian Hossa hot.  He scored two goals in game five but was almost non-existent in game four.  If Hossa can continue his production into game six, the Blackhawks will be in very good shape heading into game seven.

While the Canucks are the top-seed heading into the playoffs, the Blackhawks are the reigning-Stanley Cup Champions.  After falling behind in the first three games of the 2011 playoffs, they finally look like they are ready to defend their championship.

It is completely in Chicago’s hands if they will go any further in the playoffs.