Looking forward to game 4 tonight. It will be interesting to see how the game is called from a referees standpoint. Since game 3 there has been a ton of talk about the "calls" and "non-calls".
With any Final, you expect physical play...especially in front of the net. The battle between Pronger and Byfuglien has been fun to watch. There was a point in game 3 where Pronger cross-checked Byfuglien to the ice (which is not easy to do), then a few seconds later Byfuglien is called for slashing. Yes, he did slash and break Pronger's stick, but the cross-checked should have been called too. Just some consistancy is needed, that's all.
I am hoping Andrew Ladd is inserted in the Hawks lineup tonight. If he is, my guess is Adam Burrish will sit. Even though Kopecky replaced Ladd, he has played well, so keep him in the lineup. Getting Ladd out there will add another physical presence the Hawks can use. Right now it is just mainly Byfuglien providing that presence in front of the net. With Ladd in, now you add a second presence there on a different line. The Hawks need more traffic in front of Leighton since the point men are taking a lot of shots.
More traffic is also need in front because of the attention Hossa is drawing. Sometimes you see 2 and 3 defenders on him. When that happens, that opens lanes for the goalie to see the shots, thus more screens are needed in front of Leighton.
On the other end if the ice, Antti Niemi has been fantastic. He seems to be getting more and more comfortable as the series moves on. He continues to make stellar saves. The defense in front of Niemi has also be great in blocking shots.
I am expecting another great game tonight.
Let's go Blackhawks!
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