It was bound to happen. We couldn’t go through the entire playoffs undefeated at home, right? It sure looked good early on, as the Hawks put it in cruise control after being up 2-0 in the 2nd period. Then, it happened. 6 straight goals (1 empty netter) later, the Kings tied up the series. Honestly, the Hawks should have been up by more, as they weren’t able to capitalize more than once on a bunch of early power plays. Down the stretch, it was the Hawks that were outnumbered on (and off) the ice, as the perfect home record took a hit.
Let’s talk about the third period. I didn’t see the Bollig penalty, and was waiting for a replay. I thought I may have missed it, except a couple texts confirmed that they never really showed it. First phantom call leads to a power play goal by the Kings to tie the score 2-2. Next, the Hawks get tagged for a “too many men on the ice” penalty. Now I’m no NHL rules expert, but I have to think that the penalty that was called there, could be called on every single line change. Next power play, next Kings goal, Kings lead 3-2. The next goal was a little weird too. After Crawford deflects a shot up into the net… oh wait, it did NOT reach the net… After Crawford deflects a shot off the top of the glass (?), the Kings get a point blank chance and capitalize to lead 4-2. Still not convinced it’s over, I watch as Regin gets interfered with going to the Kings net. The same exact call was made twice in this game already. It does not get called, the Kings get an odd man rush, and score again, to go up 5-2. Game, set, match. What the heck just happened here?
Well, a conspiracy theorist may say that Vegas had an influence on the outcome of this game. As a person who has dabbled in betting on sports (OK, more than dabbled), I’ve seen some strange things happen over my days. The broadcasters keep talking up the Kings… even when they were down 2-0, that one jackass kept praising their resolve. The East Series looking like a blowout. You know what happens next. NHL and NBC get together, and figure out a way to make this a series. I always think back to the Bulls vs Sonics in 1996. The Bulls, coming off of a 72-10 record, took a 3-0 lead in the Finals. Can you say sweep? Pump the brakes. We need to stretch this baby out. A Father’s Day win for MJ would be the ultimate story. Hey, we still won, so I didn’t care. There was just no way in my mind that the Bulls should not have swept this series after being up 3-0, after coming off the best season in NBA history. They threw the NBA and NBC a bone, and it worked out for everybody. I was NOT gambling on that series… just an observation.
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I am not gambling on this series either, but if I was, I’d still have the Hawks big. Maybe the Kings really deserve this victory, after all, they did capitalize on all the chances that were provided to them. Maybe the Hawks needed a kick in the nuts to shift it out of cruise control, and keep the pedal to the medal. Either way, it makes for good drama. Although I am slightly irritated after tonight’s loss, it would be a lot worse if I thought this jeopardized the Hawks chances to still win the series. This loss just made it a series. You know, the Hawks need a good challenge to play their best.
Now, going out to LA will be more drama filled. With the series tied, instead of the Hawks up 2-0, everybody is a little more on edge, a little more unsure of the Hawks prowess. Not me. Although I do enjoy the drama, and love the emotional rollercoaster, I only truly enjoy it if we come out on top. Otherwise, I hate it. So, for now, I’m OK with it. Let’s put a little pressure on these boys, and see how they react. Let’s see the resolve of THIS team. Let’s see who has the most resolve. Recent history says the Indian Head will prevail. Let’s keep writing history and go West to win some games, in spite of being outnumbered. Confidence not shaken, just stirred. Go Hawks!
FredZ
I think they just got punked by a good team. Hawks fans are already planning a parade, but as Steve Bartman will tell ya, nothing is over until I leave the park, change my name, and never enter Chicago again. I’m making fun of the Cubs again because you, a Cub fan, brought a “conspiracy” theory in. Hawks got smoked, and Q needs to fire them up. A loss in game three, and we’ll be toast…
JEFFK
Now as someone who has dabbled in sports wagering, you cannot tell me that you never thought about that. Not sure how Bartman plays into the refs having a say in the outcome of a game, but you seem to be obsessed with the Cubs my friend. Another Sox fan obsessing over the Cubs; read my 2nd post Sox Fan Envy. As far as the Hawks, they are the best team, and yeah, I’m sure there are a bunch of obnoxious Hawks fans just like any other great team, but does that change the fact that the Hawks are the best team? Maybe you want to see some of these fans shut up, and maybe I do too sometimes, but not at the expense of seeing the Hawks lose… not at the expense of one of our teams losing. Let’s see the Heat go down… that would make me happy. Bottom line, series tied… a loss in Game 3 doesn’t mean it’s over either. Detroit, last year, down 3-1… I won’t stop believing this team will win another cup until they are eliminated…. and I don’t think that’s going to happen.
Tim Donaghy
First off, let me say that I am a gambling addict with a problem. My problem is that I pick losers. So in order to help my problem, I would make calls in the nba that would be in my best betting interest to help “my” team win/cover/push/etc. I plead guilty to these charges and have served my time. But now I am back at it with a confidential training acadamy to help officials in all sports make some extra money.
Fans always question how and why officials make some of the calls we do. Sometimes, it is because we are human and make mistakes. But other times, it is because we have an ulterior motive, like gambling on games or helping league officials keep things interesting or making lots of money for certain tv stations which in turn means extra cash in my pocket. If you are the average joe gambler, all you can do is hope to be on the right side when this happens. Now dont get me wrong, officials cannot completely control the games, but with a little “help,” a call here or there, we can swing the all powerful momentum without a doubt.
For those wondering where this is going, I was brought in to answer questions about the Hawks/kings game last night. And yes, one of my highly trained officials played a role in “helping” get the kings back in the game and series to start that 3rd period. For example, the bollig penalty…this was called on the other side of the ice from where the puck was, an interference call nonetheless. It had no bearing on the play at all as the puck was 150 feet away. Kings power play to start the 3rd and they cashed in. Did anyone notice how the penalty was never fully shown and/or replayed? Yeah, that is our partner nbc playing along with our little game. When do you not see a replay of a penalty?!? Nbc has cameras all over but just happened to miss this one completely huh? HAHAHA…nice job guys!
Next, we have a too many men on the ice penalty. Easy enough to call right? Well, this type of penalty is completely subjective. Teams always have too many men on the ice as guys jump onto the ice while teammates are still getting off. In this case, one of the Hawks only had 1 foot off the ice so a penalty was called. Another kings power play cashed in. Kings lead 3-2, momentum swing big-time! Game over as they go on to win 6-2 and even series at one.
Now dont get me wrong, the kings still had to cash in on the help given to them, but we provided it on a platter for them. Sometimes teams dont cash in, sometimes they do. Momentum is a strange thing, kind of like gambling, you just have to be on the right side of it.
So enjoy the rest of the postseason and hope that the help we give the rest of the way finds your team on right side.
Unhappy Human
Thanks for clearing that up Tim! I knew something fishy was going on last night. No excuses from me. Kings took advantage of what they were given and the Hawks rolled over. Now we have an even series after two games. I have complete confidence in this Hawks team. They will bounce back fine and said all the right things after the game.
By the way Tim, dont you guys have some nba games to help fix? Oh wait, spurs have blown out okc in 2 games so far and miami is just going back home now. Look forward to some “questonable” calls to come.
Oh, and Time, keep your guys out of games with my teams, please! Losing makes me angry and anger makes me do stupid things! HAHAHA
LD#19
Hawks can be down 3-1 in a series against anybody and still win a series. Skill, the most of any team in the league. They’ve done it. Heart of a champion in that locker room and proven short memories. Lead by the Captain #19. He won’t ever let that team quit. The queens are dead and so are their NBC announcers!