ONE GOAL: Los Angeles Red Kings?

Maybe the defending champion Los Angeles Kings are better than I thought they were. Or maybe the Hawks once again laid back and played sloppy hockey after deciding that their opponent was a pushover, as they did against Detroit.

Or, most likely, both.

Any way you look at it, though, LA beat the Hawks 3-1 at the Staples Center last night.

Now, the Kings have been pretty much invincible at home. But then, for most of the season, the Hawks were pretty much invincible everywhere. But in any case, we should have a better understanding of what's going on after Game Four is played at the same location tonight.

One thing is certain: besides having to get back the crispness of their passing, skating and shooting, the Hawks have to get back their discipline. This time it was Patrick Sharp and Brian Keith who lost it the way Jonathan Toews did at the nadir of the series with Detroit. Except Keith may be facing a suspension for it.

C'mon, guys. We've been through this. Time to play like the Blackhawks again.

ADDENDUM: Keith has been suspended for Game 4- which isn't going to help.