You didn't think the Chicago Blackhawks would go down without any fight in them at all, and after a pretty dismal first period where the Vancouver Canucks walked all over them to take a 2-0 lead, the defending Cup champions certainly stepped up in the second period.
Blackhawks Vs. Canucks, Game 1: Roberto Luongo The Difference As Vancouver Holds 2-0 Lead
More time with the puck, players actually putting shots on goal instead of passing around and losing the puck. It's been a lot better for the Hawks, but unfortunately for them, Roberto Luongo has been even more fantastic. Luongo made 15 saves in the second period, many of them difficult, to hold off a Chicago team that's looking a lot hungrier.
Of course, this isn't to say Vancouver had a poor period. They answered the Blackhawks throughout, putting 13 shots on Corey Crawford at the other end in the process, but the game certainly looks much more competitive as we enter the final 20 minutes.
If both teams keep up this level of play, we could be in for a hell of a period of hockey. If the Blackhawks want to come away from this one with a 1-0 series lead, they’re going to need to pray that Luongo’s armor cracks. Right now, he’s without a doubt the difference.
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