Hawks Take 2-0 Series Lead to Philly
The Chicago Blackhawks edged out the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 in Game 2 on Monday night at the United Center. After being pulled in Game 1 for allowing five goals, Philadelphia goaltender Michael Leighton stood confident in net until the 17:09 mark of the second period – and then again 28 seconds later. Marian Hossa scored the first goal of the game, his first of the finals, followed by a wrist shot seconds later by Ben Eager past the glove hand of Leighton. Eager, known for his tough, physical play on the energy line of the Blackhawks, proved that he is capable of much more than just knocking guys against the boards.
As for Leighton, he didn’t allow another goal the rest of the game, but his confidence is most likely shaken if not toast. Flyers’ coach, Peter Laviolette, will be forced to make yet another goaltender decision before Game 3. Antti Niemi rebounded from his dismal Game 1 performance, allowing only one goal on 33 shots. Philadelphia charged the net, going after him hard in the third period, but could ultimately only get one over the line – a power play goal by Simon Gagne. Chicago’s big line of Toews, Kane and Byfuglien played much better, garnering a combined +2 rating, albeit with no points scored. Chicago has been able to get solid production from their second, third and even fourth lines. Tomas Kopecky, playing for an injured Andrew Ladd, had the game-winner in Game 1; Ben Eager knocked in the game-winner for Game 2. Watch for Chicago’s big line to show up huge very soon. Philadelphia had little success with the combination of Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne. The coaching staff will need to experiment with some line combinations and try to find a suitable matchup to put on the ice against Chicago’s Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.
Chris Pronger has been huge thus far in the series, with over 32 minutes of ice time in Game 1 and 27 minutes in Game 2. Pronger brings a sense of physicality that the Blackhawks, and especially Byfuglien, have yet to overcome. Look for Pronger against the Buff, Toews and Kane line in Game 3, because if he and Matt Carle can stop Chicago’s big three, I see Philly taking Game 3 at home. For Chicago, they need to figure out a way to score on the power play. Philadelphia has an amazing penalty-killing unit, and the Hawks haven’t been able to scoop up goals on the one-man advantage. Chicago takes a 2-0 series lead with them on the road – where they have won seven straight. Philadelphia looks to improve on an already stellar home playoff record of 7-1 as they host the Hawks Wednesday night at 8 p.m. EST on Versus.
By Noah Glick Want to add your comment to this article? Leave your comments on our NHL blog today!
> Follow the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs online with Pro Hockey Fans! > Find all of the NHL news & articles online from Pro Hockey Fans.
|
|