Three days after a wild Game 1 that required three overtime periods, the Bruins and Blackhawks will square off for a second time at Chicago’s United Center on Saturday night. The Blackhawks came from behind to steal the series opener with more than a little luck, and the Bruins must now prove that they can recover from their demoralizing collapse.
Here is a look at a few players who could be game changers in Game 2:
Johnny Oduya – Chicago Blackhawks
Oduya was a hero in Game 1, credited with the game-tying goal that took a serendipitous bounce off the skate of Boston’s Andrew Ference, but if not for the fortunate deflection on a shot that was clearly headed wide, he might have been a scape goat. Oduya’s reckless decision to chase David Krejci around the net in the first period left Milan Lucic wide open in front to give the Bruins the early lead.
The Swedish defenseman has the ability to make big plays, but he is no stranger to making a big mistake. He also has a tendency to take the occasional bad penalty. If the 31-year old slips up again in Game 2, he might not get the chance to make amends as he did in Game 1. With six postseason points including three goals, Oduya trails only Duncan Keith in points among Chicago defensemen. He has the ability to make a game changing play, but he is definitely a high risk/high reward type of player. In what looks to remain a tightly contested series big risks may be necessary.
Nathan Horton – Boston Bruins
Soon to be free agent Nathan Horton has been on a tear this postseason with 18 points, putting him behind only linemate David Krejci on the league leaderboard. A Conn Smythe contender, Horton stands alone in these playoffs as the most efficient player in the league with an astonishing plus-22 rating, but for the second time in as many finals trips Horton has suffered an injury.
In overtime of Game 1, the power forward went to the bench in considerable pain and did not return. According to TSN’s Jonas Siegel, Nathan Horton does intend to play on Saturday night. . If the winger aggravates the injury, it will break up Boston top-line which has been arguably the best trio of the postseason. The combination of Horton, Krejci and Milan Lucic accounted for two of Boston’s three Game 1 goals and nearly picked up the OT winner on a number of occasions. If Horton is either unavailable or ineffective, it will be a major blow to Boston’s title hopes.
Jonathan Toews – Chicago Blackhawks
Following Game 1, Jonathan Toews was named the winner of the 2013 Frank J. Selke Trophy, as the NHL’s best defensive forward. Last year that honor was bestowed upon Boston’s Patrice Bergeron who was a finalist for the award once again. When playing at his best Toews is arguably the most complete player in the National Hockey League, capable of playing shutdown defense while producing at a near point-per-game clip.
Despite his remarkable skill set the 2010 Conn Smythe Trophy winner has been relatively disappointing this postseason. With just one goal and nine points in 18 postseason games, the Chicago captain needs to improve. After a quiet Game 1, an explosion at the Madhouse on Madison on Saturday night would put the Blackhawks in great position to win it all for the second time in four years.
Tyler Seguin – Boston Bruins
Bruins starlet Tyler Seguin has been mired in an awful slump throughout the postseason, with just one goal and four assists to his name. One year after leading the Bruins in goals and points, the 21-year old has almost completely disappeared. Seemingly afraid of physicality and frustrated by his lack of scoring success, Seguin has spent the last few weeks stuck with Boston’s anemic third line.
However, the former second overall pick looked tremendous in Game 1, especially after getting called up to the first line to replace the injured Nathan Horton. Seguin mustered eight shots on Corey Crawford, and he was Boston’s best player throughout the extra sessions. He could sitting on a powder keg, ready to go off in Game 2. His elite speed and hands could finally come through, if his confidence has truly begun to improve.
