Blackhawks vs Kings - Toews 3-on-1 Goal

I posted the video above and comments below in the Chicago Blackhawks community on Google+.  It was Game 1 of the Western Conference Final, and the Los Angeles Kings were at the United Center for a showdown with the Stanley Cup Champions.  It was Sunday, May 18th 2014.

After having difficulty closing out the first two games against the Blues, the Blackhawks have shored up their overall play in a big way - and won 9 of 11 since. This 3-on-1 to close out the Kings yesterday was a thing of beauty, so let's have a closer look.

(a) Bickell tried to clear the puck, but took a dangerous forecheck to the knee in the process. The puck trickled out of the zone anyway.

(b) Hossa was Marian-on-the-spot, and picked up the loose puck with a head of steam. He lays a perfectly-placed drop pass, then skates left to create a formidable triangle attack for the hapless lone defender to defend.

(c) Oduya picks up the pass, waits-waits, then makes a brilliant Magic-Johnson-esque no-look pass to his right.

(d) The Captain has his stick cocked, and he's, like, give it to me, baby, give it to me! His slapshot requires him to make an awkward but amazing torque with his body, which reminded me of Kane's double-OT, series-winning goal against this very Kings last year.

Finally, long after people cleared the UC, the referees were still talking to Toronto to make sure there was no goalie interference on that (2nd) Toews goal.

Thank you for reading, and let me know what you think!

Ron Villejo, PhD