Finally.
That’s likely the reaction for the Chicago Blackhawks and their fans. Jonathan Toews gave Chicago its first 1-0 lead of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final in the second period of Game 4:
If you’re just floating in, it probably seems like same old, same old for Toews. It’s been a little frustrating lately, though, as Chicago drew criticism for a slow first period.
They also drew iron a couple times before that inspirational goal:
OFF THE POST! #StanleyCupFinal pic.twitter.com/O0t2zgtTkf
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) June 11, 2015
.@NHLBlackhawks fans after that puck hit the post... pic.twitter.com/qOrsqaIiff
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) June 11, 2015
One goal later, the outlook improves greatly for Chicago. If this series is teaching us anything, it’s that the Tampa Bay Lightning could easily strike back quickly, though.
Update: Yup, that lead did not last very long. Valtteri Filppula made a tremendous pass that Alex Killorn snapped into Chicago’s net to tie things up 1-1:
Let’s just say it won’t do Trevor van Riemsdyk any favors:
Short-lived leads almost seem expected at this point, though, right?