Bruins vs. Blackhawks: Breaking Down Keys for Game 2 of Stanley Cup Final

When the Boston Bruins take on the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, the battle for National Hockey League supremacy will really heat up after one of the most intense opening games of the series imaginable.

Chicago stole Game 1 in a triple-overtime thriller 4-3, but with Boston proving its worth and both teams increasing the physical play and intensity, there is little doubt that the next installment of this series will live up to the expectations.

With so much talent and desire on the ice at one time, these are the keys for each team’s potential victory in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Where: United Center, Chicago, Ill.

When: Saturday, June 15, at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC

Live Stream: NBC Sports LiveExtra

Boston Bruins’ Keys to Victory

The Boston Bruins are predicated on fundamental defense and stellar goaltending, but the offensive onslaught of a talented team like the Chicago Blackhawks threw a wrench into the team’s game plan to open the series.

Chicago was kept quiet offensively for the first half of the game, but after Brandon Saad added a second-period goal, it was Johnny Oduya and Dave Bolland that managed to tie the game in the third and send it into overtime.

If Boston wants to win Game 2, the team must button down defensively.

The Blackhawks are getting scoring help from across the depth chart, and the Bruins’ defensive group must make the concerted effort to play as intense against the third line as they would against the top line.

Boston dominated Chicago physically throughout Game 1, but with more offensive depth across the roster for the Blackhawks, the Bruins must continue to use the forecheck and the team’s most aggressive defenders to stifle their opponents.

Boston played great in Game 1, but the Bruins must play even harder on Saturday.

Chicago Blackhawks’ Keys to Victory

The Chicago Blackhawks were thoroughly bullied by the Boston Bruins in Game 1, but with timely scoring from depth players and their own defense battening down the hatches after a slow start, it was clear Chicago was ready for a long series.

Boston had the clear edge on paper defensively before the Stanley Cup Final started, but with arguably as much talent on the roster and a willingness to play dirty and fight for every loose puck, Chicago has been able to withstand the Bruins attack and keep coming.

Instead of Boston having the defensive advantage, Blackhawks blue-line stars like Duncan Keith, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Johnny Oduya have stepped up in all three zones and swung the momentum in their team’s favor.

It is imperative that Chicago doesn’t let the Bruins get back into this series by gaining momentum with a huge victory in Game 2, and playing better defense than Boston for the entire game will be the key to taking a decisive 2-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final.

Game 2 Prediction: Boston 3, Chicago 2

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