The net presence
Dustin Byfuglien played a bruising, physical game in front of Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo, and the Canucks failed to respond in kind. Andrew Ladd, Jonathan Toews and others got in on the action. So the Canucks made it clear Thursday that they plan to do the same to Antti Niemi tonight in Game 4. "We have to realize we can do the same thing on the other side," Luongo said.
It will be up to the Hawks' defensemen to prevent that from happening.
Composure crucial
All the net crashing can lead to a parade to the penalty box if the Hawks - and the Canucks - aren't mindful. Game 3 was a step up in terms of physicality and post-whistle chirping and shoving than the first two games. It will only increase tonight as both teams try to control the crease. But taking unnecessary penalties is always costly.
Take Alex Burrows' unsportsmanlike penalty in the second period on Wednesday. The Canucks were down one and on the verge of retaking the momentum, but the Hawks were able to convert on the power play to nullify the Vancouver surge.
Staying special
When penalties are called - and they certainly will be in Game 4 - what occurs on special teams always stands out. In Game 3, the Hawks converted on two power plays and held the Canucks off the scoresheet during their four opportunities.
The Hawks killed off Byfuglien's roughing penalty in the third period while clinging to a 3-2 lead. Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault said the Canucks will make adjustments to their power play.
"Without a doubt, our power play could have been the difference in the last two games," he said.
Dustin Byfuglien played a bruising, physical game in front of Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo, and the Canucks failed to respond in kind. Andrew Ladd, Jonathan Toews and others got in on the action. So the Canucks made it clear Thursday that they plan to do the same to Antti Niemi tonight in Game 4. "We have to realize we can do the same thing on the other side," Luongo said.
It will be up to the Hawks' defensemen to prevent that from happening.
Composure crucial
All the net crashing can lead to a parade to the penalty box if the Hawks - and the Canucks - aren't mindful. Game 3 was a step up in terms of physicality and post-whistle chirping and shoving than the first two games. It will only increase tonight as both teams try to control the crease. But taking unnecessary penalties is always costly.
Take Alex Burrows' unsportsmanlike penalty in the second period on Wednesday. The Canucks were down one and on the verge of retaking the momentum, but the Hawks were able to convert on the power play to nullify the Vancouver surge.
Staying special
When penalties are called - and they certainly will be in Game 4 - what occurs on special teams always stands out. In Game 3, the Hawks converted on two power plays and held the Canucks off the scoresheet during their four opportunities.
The Hawks killed off Byfuglien's roughing penalty in the third period while clinging to a 3-2 lead. Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault said the Canucks will make adjustments to their power play.
"Without a doubt, our power play could have been the difference in the last two games," he said.
