The Chicago Blackhawks will look to take a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals when they take the Los Angeles Kings Thursday in Game 4.
The Blackhawks were in charge of the series but were unable to quell a terrific effort from the Kings in front of their home fans on Tuesday.
"I thought we were really prepared for what was coming here in this building, but obviously we were not," Chicago defenseman Nicklas Hjalmarsson said. "They came out flying. We know they're a tough team. Especially here in this building, they're a really tough team to beat. We've got to step it up and find a way to get back to the way we were playing in Chicago to have a chance to win the next game, because the last game wasn't good enough, not even close."
"You've got to give them credit for the way they're playing defensively," added Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane. "They've been a good defensive team for the last three, four years. ... In the playoffs, it hasn't been happening for me for some reason. I don't know why. Me personally, I think it's all about willpower, just getting the puck and making things happen that way."
The Blackhawks will have to win without top defenseman Duncan Keith. The blueliner was suspended one game after a perceived retaliation against Kings forward Jeff Carter during Game 3.
"I said my piece," Keith said prior to being suspended. "Said the same thing last night, that it was an accident, and I didn't mean to get him where I got him."
Carter did not care to comment on the incident.
"There's bigger things to worry about right now," Carter said. "We're in a fight here, down two games to one. I don't think that's on our minds."
Prediction: Los Angeles is 8-0 on home ice during this postseason; they will make it 9-0 with a 3-2 victory.
Start Time: 9 PM EST
TV: NBCSN
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