Two Series. Two 2-0 leads. Four recent Stanley Cup Winners.
Does either Pittsburgh or Los Angeles have what it takes to climb out of the 2-0 hole they find themsleves in after two games.
Jun 2, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) skates back to the bench as he is replaced by teammate Jonathan Bernier (45) during the second period in game two of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
You would think Pittsburgh is in tougher, since they lost both of theirs at home and you would have to think they need to win the next two in Boston to have a realistic shot at advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals. They had a similar start against the Flyers last season in the first round and did show some fight back, but that was with Ilya Bryzgalov in net, not Tuukka Rask. The seasoned Bruins are a different animal since their first round scare at the hands of the Maple Leafs, and know from experience that you can’t take your foot off the gas.
Los Angeles, however, unlike the Pens, lost their 2 games on the road, and although not the ideal situation to put themselves in, they are 7-0 at home in the postseason. The Hawks got to Quick in game 2, and that is not likely to happen again that easily with the Kings’ track record. Although they have come through a very physical first round series and a taxing second round win, so maybe their tank is on empty and they have no push-back left.
While the odds are against a comeback, especially against a top-notch opponent who has been there before, can either team do the improbable?