Stanley Cup: game five recap

By Scott Antoszewski

Blackhawks 7 Flyers 4

Blackhawks lead series 3-2

The scoreboard at the “Madhouse on Madison” had a very simple image. There was a picture of the Stanley Cup and a number one. The Hawks torched both Philly goalies for seven more goals, and are now one win away from winning their first Stanley Cup in 49 years.

There were many strong similarities to the first game of the series, as the teams combined for 11 goals, and Flyers goalie Michael Leighton got pulled. Chicago jumped all over the Flyers in the first period, scoring three goals and taking that 3-0 lead to the first intermission. The Flyers showed the resilience that is their trademark in this years playoffs, getting the deficit down to two goals twice, but they just couldn’t overcome the Hawks fast start. Neither Leighton nor Boucher were overly spectacular for the Flyers. Chicago coach Joel Quenneville moved Patrick Kane to the second line in an effort to spread out the scoring threat. Chris Pronger had been on the ice every time the Toews, Kane and Byfuglien(pronounced buff-len) line was on the ice in the first four games. The move allowed Kane to get more time and space with the puck and he responded with a huge game.

Byfuglien had a much better night against Pronger in the trenches as well. The Blackhawks power play was two goals out of four chances on the evening, which was the first time special teams has made an impact in the series. The best analogy I can give you is the Blackhawks were like the bully, who have just enough strength to keep the Flyers at arms length. The Flyers certainly didn’t quit in this game, but they just couldn’t get close after Chicago went up 3-0. The game was very entertaining, which has been a nice trend throughout the series. All the matches have been fun to watch so far.

Now the series shifts back to Philly on Wednesday night. Will the home ice advantage hold true? Home ice had been almost a disadvantage so far in the playoffs, it’s nice to see that has turned around for the Finals. It will be interesting to see how both teams play with the Stanley Cup in the building. I can’t wait for this one!

Goal scorers in game five:

Chicago: Brent Seabrook(Power Play), Dave Bolland, and Kris Versteeg in the first. Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien(Power Play) in the second. Partick Sharp and Dustin Byfuglien(Empty Net) in the third.

Philadelphia: Scotty Hartnell and Kimo Timmanen in the second. James Van Reimsdyk and Simon Gagne in the 3^rd.