The Stanley Cup is in Boston for tonight’s Game 6 between the Bruins and the Blackhawks, and Chicago hopes to parade it around the TD Garden just as it did in Philadelphia three years ago. The Blackhawks have the momentum coming off of a strong performance at home in Game 5, but this series has looked destined to go the distance from the outset.
The Bruins still have every shot to extend the series, even after losing two straight, but if Claude Julien‘s club can rebound, it will require a complete performance akin to their 2-0 Game 3 victory.
With both team’s battered and bruised as they near the end of a grueling two-month postseason, will should be the primary determinant of the series, but here are five things to watch in Game 6.
The Health of Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron
The last two Selke Trophy winners both suffered injuries in Game 5, and they are currently in a race against time to be ready for Game 6. Each two-way star represents the heart and soul of his team, and if either is less than his best, it will tip the balance. The leading goal-scorer in the finals, Patrice Bergeron was hospitalized after leaving Game 5 in the first period with an injury that remains mysterious. Bruins coach Claude Julien surprised many today saying, “I feel confident he will play.” Bergeron memorably battled through a torn pectoral muscle in last year’s playoffs His tendency to come through in big spots will be put to the test tonight.
Toews, on the other hand, left no doubt about his status, claiming to be 100 percent ready for Game 6. The Blackhawks captain has three points in his last two games, suggesting that his long slump is over. The 2010 Conn Smythe winner will hope to accept the Stanley Cup from Gary Bettman this evening, but if he has downplayed his injury, it could be a tough night for the center who missed all of Game 5’s third period.
The Accuracy of Jaromir Jagr and Tyler Seguin
Bruins wingers Jaromir Jagr and Tyler Seguin have fired 127 shots on net in this postseason, and yet they have combined for just one goal, a Seguin strike in a loss to the New York Rangers. Both players have looked good in the finals, combining for six assists, but they have to score eventually. The 41-year-old Jagr’s last Stanley Cup Finals goal came in 1992, coincidentally against the Chicago Blackhawks. 21 years later, the fading star is the active leader in postseason points with 199. If he can finally net his first goal of the playoffs, he will join Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri and Glenn Anderson as the only players to reach 200 points.
Seguin, like Jagr, won a Stanley Cup as rookie, but the former second overall pick has yet to establish himself among the NHL’s elite. He has created myriad chances in this series, especially in the three overtime games, but Corey Crawford seems to have his number. Perhaps tonight is the night for the 21-year old to exorcise some demons.
Corey Crawford’s Glove
It’s no secret that the Boston Bruins have targeted the Blackhawks net minders glove hand, and they have found plenty of success. The vast majority of Boston’s goals in the series have soared past Crawford’s outstretched mitt, including all five of their goals in Game 4. Crawford was pardoned by Brent Seabrook‘s overtime winner, but had the Bruins snatched the game, Ray Emery could have found himself in the net for the first time in the postseason.
Joel Quenneville was rewarded for sticking with Crawford in Game 5. The goalie held the Bruins to just one, proving that he is the man for the job. Perhaps Crawford’s glove-hand failures have now become a strength as the Bruins have begun to pass up easy shots to force the puck towards the glove. If Boston is unwilling to fire the puck anywhere else, they will struggle in Game 6.
The Play of Zdeno Chara
Zdeno Chara broke character in Games 4 and 5. Though he scored a goal and added two assists, the defensive stalwart was a minus-5. Spurred by the resurgence of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, the Chicago offense had their way with Chara, who looked slow. The 36-year old giant seems to be wearing down as the playoffs drag on, which is bad news for the Bruins.
If the Blackhawks have legitimately figured out how to beat the big man, then this series is over, but its hard to imagine that the Bruins captain doesn’t have just a little more left in the tank. Expect him to be a plus player again in Game 6.
The Tempo
So far this series has been completely determined by the pace of play. The Blackhawks love to play high-flying hockey and the Bruins like to slow things to a crawl and grind out wins. When the games have opened up, it has favored Chicago, and when they have been tight and physical the Bruins have dominated.
Whoever imposes their will on Game 6 will win, it is as simple as that. The two primary pace-setters in the series are Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews, who may of course be hurting. That will put more pressure on the likes of Zdeno Chara, Johnny Boychuk, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. If Game 6 is a track meet, then the Blackhawks will be celebrating another title tonight. Otherwise we will have a Game 7.
