Emma: 5 Observations From The Blackhawks' Game 1 Win
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) Here's the thing about these Chicago Blackhawks. It's no secret, of course.
This group has an uncanny ability for the clutch. It starts with the Blackhawks' core of stars and works all the way through the locker room -- Chicago has a championship-level hockey team each season.
Whether it's turning a 1-0 third-period deficit into a 2-1 win against Tampa Bay in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, overcoming a 3-2 series hole against Anaheim in the Western Conference Final or blitzing to a Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2010, the Blackhawks are built for the big moment.
Among many details, Game 1 at Amalie Arena further proved the Blackhawks' ability to come through in the clutch. It was just one win -- with three left to attain -- and the series could still go haywire, but it's easy to envision the title on its way to Chicago after the Blackhawks won a game like Wednesday's.
Let's delve in to the Blackhawks' big win and look ahead to what's next.
1.) Corey Crawford was sensational
After the Blackhawks forced a Game 7 against the Ducks, in the last time they took to the United Center ice, I got the last question in with Corey Crawford, who was exhausted -- understandably, as his job isn't easy. He didn't seem thrilled to greet me.
I asked about the high stakes of playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, specifically the Game 7 and what would be to come. He interjected before I could finish the question.
"Pressure? There's no pressure," Crawford said.
Shortly after, he walked away, appearing almost ticked off.
Who am I -- or anyone else -- to question Crawford's mindset for the postseason? He has an ability to clear his mind of everything but the next shot, keeping so focused during these games.
Crawford stopped 22 of the 23 Lightning shots on goal he faced, with the one exception coming on a ridiculous redirect by Alex Killorn that passed by his leg pad. Crawford was constantly in proper position, was rarely fazed by redirects and controlled rebounds. It was a terrific performance.
2.) Teravainen played beyond his years
Following a No. 1 star performance, with one goal and one assist, Teuvo Teravainen had a conundrum he knew was coming.
Shortly after tying the game at one with a goal from the left point, Teravainen realized something.
"Oh, no, I have to go do media now," Teravainen said to himself.
The 20-year-old Teravainen should get used to it after a while. Still a rookie, Teravainen has been placed onto the biggest stage of his young career, the Stanley Cup Final. But he doesn't look out of place. In fact, Teravainen is playing well beyond his age and rookie status.
On his first big play, Teravainen recognized he could set up a scoring chance by putting the puck on Ben Bishop. Instead, it snuck to the back of the net when Bishop was screened. Then, 118 seconds later, Teravainen poked a puck to Antoine Vermette, who buried the game-winning goal.
Quite simply, when Teravainen is on the ice, the Blackhawks are in a better position to score goals. He's smart and instinctive with the puck, in addition to be a terrific two-way player. Game 1 brought a big stage that didn't faze Teravainen -- not nearly as much as a media session.
3.) Powerless power play must improve
Under Joel Quenneville's leadership, there have been a couple notable constants for the Blackhawks -- they have always been in position to win the Stanley Cup, and they can't find a way to sustain success on the man advantage. It's confusing, indeed.
The Blackhawks went 0-for-3 on the power play in Game 1 and likely would've gone 0-for-9 if they had more opportunities. Chicago struggled to get set in its offensive zone and then appeared passive when in control of the puck.
Anybody who has watched the Blackhawks the past few years know that could be copied and pasted into just about any postgame column. Perhaps Quenneville's answer may be a larger role for the man mentioned earlier -- Teravainen.
The bottom line is that the Blackhawks had some important opportunities go lost in a close game.
4.) Another Vermette victory
If the Blackhawks go on to win the Stanley Cup, it will be long forgotten that Vermette was ever a healthy scratch in this postseason. And the fact that general manager Stan Bowman forked over Klas Dahlbeck and a first-round pick will be dismissed, unless Dahlbeck becomes the next Ray Borque.
Vermette scored the game-tying goal in Chicago's 3-2 triple-overtime win over Nashville in Game 4 of that series, then netted the triple-overtime winner over Anaheim in Game 2 of of the Western Conference Final, but Wednesday topped it all. Vermette scored the game-winning goal in a Stanley Cup Final game, giving Chicago a 1-0 series lead.
In Vermette, the Blackhawks have a dependable third-line center to bolster a group with Teravainen and Patrick Sharp working the wings. That's quite a trio, one that delivered the two goals to win Game 1.
While Vermette has picked up plenty of heat for his struggles as a Blackhawk, these clutch moments can't be forgotten. They sure won't be if Chicago wins this Stanley Cup.
5.) Don't take this for granted, Blackhawks fans
Speaking with new Bears coach John Fox on Wednesday, a man with his mind in many places, the Blackhawks came up. He was excited for Game 1, offering a "Go, Hawks!" at the end of a conversation.
Those are two words uttered by so many throughout Chicago on Wednesday night, just as they have been the past weeks, months and years, since Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane took over this city has hockey heroes.
Walk through the city before a game of this magnitude and there are red sweaters of Nos. 19, 88, 81, 2, 50, and so many more. Chicago loves its Blackhawks and really unites for these games.
The expectation each year is for the Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup, and they stand three wins from getting that done. But fans can't lose sight of the work that led to this point. Putting aside the constantly-told stories of empty seats at the United Center and a dormant decade, this Blackhawks core just rarely disappoints.
Fun times break out when the streets and taverns of Chicago fill with that famed logo. This is an era of hockey that has spoiled its fans.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
