Patrick Kane: Blackhawks need to take it to Bruins in Game 3

BOSTON -- In the first period of the Stanley Cup Final’s Game 2, the Chicago Blackhawks dominated the Boston Bruins in every facet: 17 shots on goal to 4 for Boston and a 1-0 lead that could have ballooned larger if not for goalie Tuukka Rask.

It was the kind of domination one expects from the home team to open a Cup Final game.

It’s the kind of domination Patrick Kane and the Blackhawks don’t want to witness at the start of Game 3 in Boston on Monday night.

“We wanna come out and start and take it to them early. Not really worry about sustaining; just take it to them in the first 10 minutes,” said Kane.

When the Blackhawks are passive – absorbing the Bruins’ attack rather than assertively attacking on their own – they flounder. The first period of Game 2 was masterful. The overtime, by comparison, saw the Bruins have the better of the play and, in the end, the victory.

“I thought we were standing still too much and on the receiving end because we weren't attacking,” said Coach Joel Quenneville.

The Bruins have been an excellent road team in these players, and have rounded into form at home as well. The Bruins have outscored their opponents 14-6 in their last five home games – all of them victories.

For Chicago, the offensive game comes down to one thing: Simplicity.

Kane said that’s the key for a power play that’s yet to find the back of the net against Boston.

“I think the biggest thing is to try to play with a 5-on-5 mentality. We seem to be a great 5-on-5 team. There’s no reason why we can’t score on the power play,” he said.

Quenneville said that simplicity is the way through the Bruins’ stingy defense – and a way not to give up anything to the B’s through Chicago’s own mistakes.

“We got to know against this team that trying to make plays could lead to trouble. I think the simpler we play it, the more of a direct approach, it can play in our favor.”