The Los Angeles Kings spent the first two series in the 2014 playoffs coming from behind. They battled back against the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks in unlikely fashions. However, against the Chicago Blackhawks they have taken a commanding 2-1 lead and look to win their third straight against the defending Stanley Cup champions in the Western Conference finals.
Through five periods, the Kings have outscored Chicago 10-4 as the Blackhawks dropped their first road game in Game 3 at the Staples Center. The Kings currently lead the NHL playoffs with 56 goals while averaging 3.29 per game. The Blackhawks are putting up 2.87 goals per game while struggling against the Kings defensive front.
The Kings have a defensive line that is giving the Blackhawks headaches. Tanner Pearson, Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli have halted the Chicago while dominating the offense. Pearson has four assists in the series. Toffoli has three goals while Carter has added another five. The three were essential in Game 3. Carter got the game-tying goal while Toffoli earned the team the lead. Can the trio keep up their dominating ways or will Chicago figure out adjustments to get the series-tying win?
Chicago has committed some crucial penalties that have aided to the Kings' success. Los Angeles has been banking on power-play goals, including the Game 3 game-winning goal. The Kings have been pushing the Blackhawks into vulnerable situations giving them too many shorthanded situations. Discipline could be the biggest necessity for Chicago in Game 4.
The Blackhawks simply did not get off enough shots in Game 3. They were outshot 18-7 in the third period. Their star players are not producing. Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa have just one goal and four points combined against Los Angeles. It is similar to their performance in last season's Western Conference finals before both players broke out in Games 4 and 5. Can they repeat history as the Blackhawks face a crucial game on Monday?