Blackhawks Daily: Ice Hogs Drop Game One; NHL Playoffs Continue

The Chicago Blackhawks didn’t make the playoffs. However, their AHL affiliate Rockford Ice Hogs did make it which shows that the organization has some budding talent.  In the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Ice Hogs are taking on the Grand Rapids Griffins. Rockford took a 2-0 lead in the game which lasted until the third period.

In the final regulation frame, the Griffins came back to get it tied which forced overtime. In the extra period, the Griffins took game one by a final score of 3-2. Jonathan Berggren scored the winner.

The loss was tougher to concede after surrendering the lead but the Ice Hogs will be back at it Wednesday in Grand Rapids for Game 2.

Over in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there was a lot of madness on Saturday. Both the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers had a chance to sweep their opponents but failed. In the case of Carolina, it was a double-overtime defeat to the New York Islanders. For Florida, they gave the Tampa Bay Lightning some hope which is never a good idea.

The Boston Bruins did what they do best which is beat the Toronto Maple Leafs. This one was another case of the Bruins doing everything they could to annoy the Leafs which leads to winning. There were multiple instances of frustration being shown by the players on the Maple Leafs. Whether it was arguing on the bench or the way they were playing on the ice, they didn’t look like they had what they needed mentally for the game.

Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights took on the Dallas Stars. After shocking the world and winning both games in Dallas, Vegas had a chance to put their backs against the walls. However, they allowed Wyatt Johnston to score his second of the game in overtime and the Stars are back in the series.

The only team who was up in the series to win on Saturday was the Bruins. That is what makes the Stanley Cup Playoffs so amazing. You never know what is going to happen.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• Joey Anderson seized the chance that was given to him by the Chicago Blackhawks. He is a good player that may stick around in the NHL as a result.
• Jason Dickinson had a career year with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023-24. He is an important part of their core right now.
• Gavin Hayes is with the Rockford Ice Hogs in the playoffs. He is going to try and help this team go on a run in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Hockey Now Playoff Focus

• Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche are looking to take a commanding lead in their series over the Winnipeg Jets.
• Nashville Hockey Now: The Nashville Predators need a big win in game four to have a chance in this series against the Vancouver Canucks.
• Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins have figured out the Toronto Maple Leafs for the time being and it is leading them to a potential series win.