Chicago Wolves more than set in net with Dansk, Lagace
Of all the memorable games from the Blackhawks' 2015 championship run, perhaps none stood out more than the very first one.
When that first-period horn sounded in Nashville, coach Joel Quenneville's stunned squad limped into the locker room trailing 3-0.
During the intermission, backup goalie Scott Darling was informed by Quenneville that he was going to take over for Corey Crawford. Darling saved the day - literally - by turning away all 42 Predators shots in a thrilling 4-3 double-OT Blackhawks victory.
Darling also posted victories in Games 3 and 4, helping right the ship during the Hawks' third Stanley Cup title in six years.
Having two trusted goalies is a godsend for any coach at any level, and it certainly came in handy for Rocky Thompson during the Chicago Wolves' first-round triumph over Grand Rapids. Because Thompson trusts both Oscar Dansk and Max Lagace, he was able to split up the duties when the Wolves played back-to-back in Games 1 and 2, and then again in Games 3 and 4.
The Griffins, meanwhile, played Harri Sateri in all five contests, and while he wasn't bad, Sateri did lose Games 2, 4 and 5.
"It's a really good problem to have," said Thompson, whose team begins a best-of-seven series against the Iowa Wild at the Allstate Arena on Wednesday at 7 p.m. "We're very lucky we've got two great goaltenders in there, but more importantly we've got two great teammates as well. They support not only the team, but they also support each other.
"They're their biggest cheerleaders. That's a very positive environment and they make each other better because of it."
With Games 1 and 2 against Iowa - as well as 6 and 7 if they are necessary - coming on back-to-back nights, it's a good bet Dansk and Lagace will again be called upon in this series.
Dansk was taken 31st ovall in 2012 by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He spent two years in Sweden and came to the Wolves in 2017. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Stockholm native really blossomed this season, going 27-9-4 with a .913 save percentage and 2.46 goals-against average.
"I think I just keep on elevating those small things that I made some adjustments on last year (with) coming into a new organization and (getting) new goalie coaching," Dansk said. "I like where I'm going. It makes it a lot of fun to work."
Dansk was particularly impressive early in the Wolves' 4-2 Game 5 victory Sunday over Grand Rapids. Sixty seconds in, he stood his ground and blocked a Wade Megan breakaway attempt when Megan tried to go five-hole.
Less than two minutes later, Givani Smith got inside position and tried stuffing a shot home, but Dansk shut the door once again.
He ended up making 30 saves to help the Wolves advance.
"He was lights out," said forward T.J. Tynan. "He's been awesome all year. Obviously Max (Lagace) has been up and down (with Vegas), and Oz has been taking a lot of the work. …
"He was outstanding again. Not surprised at all the way he works and the way he handles himself."
Said Thompson: "It was a great growing experience for Oscar. He came in and shut the door in two games, and that's the reason we're able to move on."
Lagace impressed as well, going 16-10-6 and posting a Game 2 victory over Grand Rapids by stopping 26 shots. He went 6-7-1 with Vegas last season when the Golden Knights were dealing with injuries to Marc-Andre Fleury and Malcom Subban.
Calder Cup playoffs
<b>Chicago Wolves vs. Iowa Wild</b>(Best-of-seven)
Game 1: Iowa at Chicago, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Game 2: Iowa at Chicago, Thursday, 7 p.m.
Game 3: Chicago at Iowa, Sunday, 3 p.m.
Game 4: Chicago at Iowa, Wednesday, May 8, 7 p.m.
* Game 5: Chicago at Iowa, Friday, May 10, 7 p.m.
* Game 6: Iowa at Chicago, Monday, May 13, 7 p.m.
* Game 7: Iowa at Chicago, Wednesday, May 15, 7 p.m.
* If necessary