Quote Originally Posted by OldRightHander View Post
Well, a good third period at least. Blues just couldn't keep any sustained pressure in the offensive zone until the third period and they gave up way too many odd man rushes early on. I was encouraged by what I saw in the third period. These two teams would make for an interesting playoff series.
I think changing up the roster a bit, playing back to back games, and an energized crowd/home opener is a big reason why the Hawks came out flying. Still, the Blues haven't won in Chicago in like two years so it's a hard place to play. I also feel that home field has the biggest advantage in the NHL because the home team gets to change it's lines last, allowing for proper matchups when appropriate.