Kings top Blackhawks 3-2 in Shootout

How can a team with so much team speed be late on so many opportunities?

The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the fastest and most talented teams in the NHL. Their problems come though when they get over-aggressive and are unable to get back well enough on defense.

The first goal came just a minute and 17 seconds into the game. The Blackhawks started their shift poorly after letting up a scoring chance right off the opening faceoff, but eventually got great pressure in the Kings' zone. Four of their players crashed the net and were unable to knock it in. This turned into a long rebound and a 4-1 for LA. Though they had an extra 2 players, the Kings would only need two as Justin Williams got it to Slava Voynov for the quick goal.

This came as a result of the Blackhawks' defense not staying home under the circumstances. The forwards were able to create a scramble at the front of the net leaving Duncan Keith as the only player to retreat into the defensive zone. At this moment the Kings' players recognized the potential for an early chance and put it home to get on the board almost immediately.

The Blackhawks first goal came in the second period and is exactly the way they need to be playing moving forward. Viktor Stalberg benefitted from a neutral zone turnover, got an odd man rush with Patrick Sharp and Marcus Kruger, and made a great pass. Drew Doughty blocked Sharp's first attempt but Kruger was able to lift in the easy rebound. The Blackhawks at this point had been playing patient, but were aggressive enough when it mattered to cause a score.

In general, the Blackhawks are no patient enough on the back end to play dump-and-chase right now. Their forwards have not been able to get to pucks to set up an extended possession in the offensive zone which forces the defense to play up and out of position far too often. Chicago is athletic enough and fast enough to be able to cause offense in other ways, and therefore must play smarter and more conservative hockey if they want to be successful in the latter stages of this season.