The more things change, the more they stay the same.
The Chicago Blackhawks seemed like they were in peril in trailing 3-1 during Game 6, much like they seemed to be when they fell behind 3-1 in their series against the St. Louis Blues.
In both situations, the Blackhawks answered the call. They flipped the script in the second period and proved to be too much for the Blues in a 6-3 win for Chicago. There have been many twists and turns that could have buried the Blackhawks - including a multiple overtime marathon won by Patrick Kane - yet the defending champions just would not stay down.
With that, this series concludes with a decisive Game 7 in St. Louis, and the pressure lands squarely on the Blues’ shoulders.
Tonight's Three Stars of the Game feature some new #Blackhawks!
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 24, 2016
3. Andrew Ladd
2. Dale Weise
1. Richard Panik
Hitchcock: "They raised the bar. Now it's our turn to answer." #stlblues
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) April 24, 2016
These are two strong teams. The Blues fought through questionable calls to get some gutty wins in this series and refused to allow injuries to derail their season.
Plenty of evidence argues that their heart shouldn’t be questioned, yet the same jokes are already trickling in.
Full Blues.
— Travis Yost (@travisyost) April 24, 2016
They never stop giving St. Louis the Blues
— Matt Kalman (@MattKalman) April 24, 2016
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 24, 2016
If the Blues fail in Game 7, many will ignore positive strides and stick with familiar narratives, whether that is fair or not.
It would be a mistake to assume that St. Louis will roll over, however, as they still have a chance to slay this dragon that is the Blackhawks’ edge and their reputation for falling short in the postseason.
Blues fans should remember 2011 Canucks. Blackhawks were their nemesis & erased 3-0 series lead. But Canucks found way to win Game 7 on OT.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) April 24, 2016
Most importantly: more fun (mixed with anxiety if you have a horse in the race).
So we have our first confirmed Game 7?#HowAboutThat pic.twitter.com/DuwQ4bLNqp
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) April 24, 2016