Chicago strikes early, if not often, in tying Clark Cup Final at 1-1

Within the first two minutes of game two in the Clark Cup Final, it was obvious things were going to be different. 

Adam Fantilli scored the first goal of the series for Chicago just over a minute in, and he did it by shooting from the high slot and using the Fargo defensemen as screens. It was a radical change from game one, when Chicago mustered just 20 shots as they kept trying to drive to the net, to no avail. 

Chicago eventually went on to win the game 4-1 behind the strength of two late empty netters, but most of the action happened early. 

Before the midway mark of the period, Austin Wong tied the game for Fargo on one of the night’s many power plays. To be fair, the refs were not one sided, but by this point in the season, you would hope they don’t feel the need to call every little infraction, but rather, just make the calls they need to. 

Fargo was 1-6 on the power play while Chicago was 0-4, but in reality, neither team really deserved more than a couple of penalties. 

At 11:53 of the first period, Adam Robbins gave the Steel a 2-1 lead by scoring the game’s final goal, not counting empty netters. 

Overall, this did not feel like a playoff game. In the first 25:08 of the game, the referees handed out four power plays to each team. Eight combined power plays would be a lot in just over 25 minutes if it was a rough game. It wasn’t. 

In fact, the lack of scrums, trash talk, and general dislike between the teams is a big reason this feels like average regular season hockey. I know it’s a new era, and I know I preferred the old one, but usually playoff hockey still steps up the intensity a bit. 

But that is just not Chicago’s game. The Steel play best when focused on puck possession and avoiding the rough stuff. It doesn’t make for exciting highlight videos - in fact, the ones they play seem to lack the normal hits, fights, and energy plays that brings the crowd to it’s feet - but they win games. 

Regardless, a season high crowd of 1,034 (keeping in mind fans were not allowed most of the season and only 750 were allowed at any game prior to last night) enjoyed seeing the series tied 1-1 headed north. That is, except for the impressive presence of Fargo fans, who would have preferred a different result. 

Both teams now have five days off before resuming in Fargo Friday night for game three. With the teams splitting the first two games, it’s hard to tell who the incredibly long break favors. In any case, Fargo has to feel good knowing they could capture the Clark Cup on home ice Saturday.

But through two games, the only predictable thing has been that nothing has been predictable.