The Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings both have X-factors waiting to take over the decisive Game 7, and whoever steps up will book their ticket to the Western Conference Final.
Blackhawks fans—well, and any fans of epic NHL Stanley Cup playoff hockey who aren't Red Wings fans—are elated after a two-game winning streak has forced a Game 7. Players you wouldn't expect, like Bryan Bickell, who scored the game-winner, ended up making major contributions in Game 6.
Let's take a look at the biggest X-factors for each team heading into Game 7.
Red Wings: Damien Brunner
It feels weird to call the player who leads Detroit in goals for the playoffs an X-factor, but the Blackhawks aren't giving Damien Brunner enough attention.
With Detroit losing hope in Game 6 after Chicago's furious third-period rally, Brunner notched a big goal with less than a minute left that gave the Red Wings a breath of life. They ended up not coming back, but the goal might have taken some of the momentum away from Chicago for Game 7.
The center often plays behind Pave ...
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Article written by Steven Cook
Red Wings vs. Blackhawks Game 7: X-Factors for Each Team
May 28th, 2013 by Steven Cook Leave a reply »
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