The view from Chicago

NHL.com

Brian Hedger: Kings’ blitz leaves Blackhawks stunned
“Chicago led 2-0 near the end of the second and appeared headed for a 2-0 lead in the series, which shifts to Staples Center for Game 3 on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; NBC, CBC, RDS),. Instead, the Kings flipped the entire scene upside down in the final 22 minutes to even the series at a game apiece.

Ignited by a goal from Justin Williams that cut Chicago’s lead to 2-1 with 1:46 left in the second, the Kings scored five unanswered goals in the third for a resounding victory, sending the series to Los Angeles even at one win apiece — and leaving the Blackhawks shaking their heads.”

Shawn Roarke: Quick robs Seabrook to set up Kings’ Game 2 rally
“The Los Angeles Kings were desperate.

Already down two goals against the Chicago Blackhawks midway through Game 2 of the Western Conference Final on Wednesday at United Center, the visitors knew they could not allow another goal if a rally was in the cards.

“Give up three against them, you’re in trouble,” Kings coach Darryl Sutter said afterward.”

Corey Masisak: Carter-Toffoli-Pearson line comes up big again
“Before Game 2 of this Western Conference Final at United Center, Los Angeles Kings coach Darryl Sutter dismissed a question about a line comprised of Jeff Carter, Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli because he felt they weren’t playing together as much as they seemed to be getting credit for.”

ESPN.com

Scott Burnside: Kings rewrite story with late rally
“It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Western Conference finals are heading to the West Coast all knotted up at one game apiece.

Two deep, talented, experienced teams shot through with Stanley Cup understanding going toe-to-toe; why wouldn’t it be all tied up?”

Scott Powers: Kings get wish, hold Hawks under three goals
“Los Angeles Kings coach Darryl Sutter set a limit of two goals for the Chicago Blackhawks entering the Western Conference finals.

If the Kings could keep the Blackhawks under three scores in a given game, Sutter liked his team’s chances against the defending Stanley Cup champs. More than two, he didn’t like the Kings’ odds.”

Melissa Isaacson: Proof 2-0 is a most dangerous lead
“There was a simmering anger in the Chicago Blackhawks’ dressing room Wednesday night.

The kind of anger that resides just under the surface, the kind a team doesn’t want to reveal after Game 2 in a best-of-seven series. The kind a team doesn’t have to when it’s the defending Stanley Cup champs.”

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Chris Kuc: Kings rout Blackhawks 6-2 to even series
“Cruising along with a two-goal lead and yet another postseason victory at home squarely in their sights, the Blackhawks were blind-sided in devastating fashion.”

Shannon Ryan: Blackhawks dazed and confused as game crumbles
“After the game, goaltender Corey Crawford sat stonily at his locker.

It was difficult for him to remember how many goals the Kings had scored. The third period was like a blur by then.”

David Haugh: Late meltdown leaves Blackhawks shell-shocked
“Jonathan Toews knows the narrative that will play out around town the rest of the week.

He’s not buying it. You shouldn’t either.”

Steve Rosenbloom: C’mon, kids, let’s count all the ways the Hawks choked
“Where should we start with the Blackhawks’ choke?

The lousy power plays? The pathetic faceoffs? The stupid penalties? The bad penalty killing?

OK, let’s start with all of it, and that’s still not even all of it.”

Chris Kuc and Shannon Ryan: Blackhawks’ Shaw overruled, sits again for Game 2
“Andrew Shaw was eager to rejoin the Blackhawks’ lineup for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Kings, but coach Joel Quenneville had other ideas.”

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

Mark Lazerus: Blackhawks drop Game 2; Kings score six unanswered goals
“The story has been the same throughout the postseason. The Blackhawks are winning but not dominating. Prevailing but not pounding. Every game has been down to the wire, and nothing is coming easy. Simply put, the Hawks haven’t been at their best. They haven’t been themselves.

Then, here came the Hawks.

Then, there went the Hawks.”

Mark Lazerus: Peter Regin more than happy to be with Blackhawks
“The day before Peter Regin was traded, his New York Islanders were 22-28-8 and 10 points out of a playoff spot. The thought of having his name etched on the Stanley Cup wasn’t exactly at the forefront of his mind.”

Rick Morrissey: Blackhawks wonder what hit ’em
“Not that the Blackhawks were in the market for a demonstration, but now they know what it’s like to meet the business end of a speeding truck.

That should come in handy never.”

Mark Potash: Wasted chances in second period stymie Blackhawks
“The Blackhawks knew what they were getting into.

“They’re never out of a game or a series,” defenseman Brent Seabrook said before Game 1 of the Western Conference final, referring to the resilience of the Los Angeles Kings. “If we get up, we have to step on their throats.”

CSNCHICAGO.com

Tracey Myers: Blackhawks falter in third period, allow six unanswered in loss
“Brent Seabrook talked about the Los Angeles Kings’ comeback ability heading into this Western Conference Final series.

“If we get up, we have to step on their throats,” he said. Unfortunately in Game 2 on Wednesday, the Blackhawks didn’t heed their own advice.”

Tracey Myers: Blackhawks claim Quick’s save didn’t swing momentum
“The sound from the United Center crowd rose in anticipation as Kris Versteeg and Brent Seabrook went on their 2-on-1 breakaway, the pass from Versteeg hitting Seabrook perfect, the shot from the Blackhawks defenseman a great one.”

Nina Falcone: Kings slay ‘mythical dragon’ in Game 2 win over Blackhawks
“The Blackhawks were undefeated at home this postseason entering Game 2 of the Western Conference Final.

And throughout the first 38 minutes of Wednesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Kings, it looked as though they’d be retaining that record.”