Chicago Takes High-Scoring Game 1
The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-5 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals Saturday night in Chicago. The Flyers and Blackhawks combined for a total of ten goals at the end of two periods of play. Game 1 was an amazing show of offense and set the pace for the entire series. These two teams have done their research on their opponents and found a way to attack the net and exploit the weaknesses of the opposition’s goaltenders. Michael Leighton got pulled from the game after letting in Chicago’s fifth goal on 20 shots. Antti Niemi played a similar quality game, allowing 5 goals on 32 shots. Neither goaltender played stellar, although the top lines for both squads were inefficient. For Chicago, Jonathan Toews, Dustin Byfuglien and Patrick Kane were held scoreless and each had a -3 rating. For Philadelphia, Simon Gagne, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter were also held scoreless. Richards and Carter picked up a -2 rating and Gagne earned a -3 rating. The scoring started with a wrist shot from Ville Leino at 6:38 in the first period and didn’t stop until 8:25 in the third. Neither team held the lead for longer than four minutes in the game until Tomas Kopecky knocked in the game-winner that Philly couldn’t match.
Troy Brouwer knocked in two goals, Marian Hossa and Kopecky each had two assists and Dave Bolland had an impressive short-handed goal to give Chicago the lead in the first period, his second short-hander and the Hawks fourth of the playoffs. Chicago spent 8 minutes in the penalty box in Game 1, partly due to the eager physical play by their energy line, including who else but Ben Eager. Philadelphia managed to stay out of the penalty box the entire game, yet Chicago killed three of four power play attempts and grabbed the shorty from Bolland. Danny Briere had 4 points for Philadelphia, Chris Pronger had 2 assists and Scott Hartnell had 3 points. The Flyers played tough and confidently and not only kept up with Chicago but took it to them at times, and almost stole Game 1 on the road.
The eleven-goal high-octane game provided much entertainment, excitement and anticipation for the entire series. Many writers were quick to award Chicago the Cup, but Philadelphia must not have gotten the memo. They are playing like they’ve got nothing to lose – probably because they don’t. This is going to be a much higher scoring series than many anticipated, and for those who are not quite into the game, this will be a great way to introduce them to hockey. Game 2 will be played in Chicago at 8 p.m. EST on Monday night. This Memorial Day will be one to remember.
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