A bizzarre looking Game Winner gives the Blackhawks the Stanley Cup

A bizarre looking goal early in OT by Patrick Kane just 4 minutes into the extra frame ended one of the longest Stanley Cup Droughts in league history as the Blackhawks are celebrating for the first time since 1961.

It was another close back-and-fourth game through 2 periods as the teams went scoreless for most of the first period before Dustin Byfuglien scored his 11th of the playoffs. Just as the Blackhawks were looking to have a 1-0 lead, the Flyers responded with Scott Hartnell who was off balance who got a shot from Daniel Briere to tie the game at 1-1.

A 3-2 Chicago lead was able to hold up and was almost enough for the Blackhawks to end up celebrating with the Cup until Scott Hartnell had his 8th of the playoffs and 2nd of the night to tie the game at 3-3. After that goal, Philly had stolen momentum and were looking to win early in OT.

But there hopes were dashed when Patrick Kane received a shot from Brian Campbell who scored one of the weirdest Championship Clincher goals ever as he was near the goal line, it barely went in, but it got stuck and was hard to see, if you look at the replay you will see that it went in and it got stuck in the net that in a position.

The Goal Judges had a hard time seeing and they was no lights or the horn didn't sound so people were confused for a moment until the refs agreed that it was a good goal and gave the Blackhawks their first Stanley Cup Championship since the early 60s.

This was one of the most amazing Stanley Cup Finals I have seen in a very long time with every game being very close. Lots of up-and-down action and one of the highest scoring Stanley Cup Finals since the early 80s, in all, we had 4 of the 6 games be one goal games with 2 heading to OT.

And even in Game 4 it would have been a one goal game before the Blackhawks made it 5-3 with the empty netter in the final seconds of the game. Also with the exception of Game 2 where the Blackhawks won 2-1, the winner had 4 or more goals in every game of this series so this shows the high scoring games we had.

In addition to winning the Stanley Cup, Chicago also won the scoring battle 23-22 but what hurt the Flyers was giving up the goals at the key times like the 3 goals in game 5 that lead to the 7-4 win and pulling Leighton at the end of the first period in Game 5.

Now that Chicago won their first Cup since 1961, the Maple Leafs now hold the longest Stanley Cup Drought as the Maple Leafs haven't won the Cup since the 1966-67 season. Don't expect this one to end any time soon as the Maple Leafs haven't made the playoffs since the Lockout and finished last in the Eastern Conference this season.


Final Stanley Cup Finals Update:

Game 1, 5/29: Philadelphia Flyers 5 Chicago Blackhawks 6 (3-2, 2-3, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030411

Game 2, 5/31: Philadelphia Flyers 1 Chicago Blackhawks 2 (0-0, 0-2, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030412

Game 3, 6/2: Chicago Blackhawks 3 Philadelphia Flyers 4 (OT) (0-1, 2-1, 1-1, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030413

Game 4, 6/4: Chicago Blackhawks 3 Philadelphia Flyers 5 (1-3, 0-0, 2-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030414

Game 5, 6/6: Philadelphia Flyers 4 Chicago Blackhawks 7 (0-3, 2-2, 2-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030415

Game 6, 6/9: Chicago Blackhawks 4 Philadelphia Flyers 3 (OT) (1-1, 2-1, 0-1, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030416


Final Playoff Stats Leaders

Chicago Blackhawks Scoring Leaders
Jonathan Toews: 22 GP 29 PTS (7G 22A, -1)
Patrick Kane: 22 GP 28 PTS (10G 18A, -2)
Patrick Sharp: 22 GP 22 PTS (11G 11A, +10)

Top Defensemen: Duncan Keith: 22 GP 17 PTS (2G 15A, +2)

Chicago Blackhawks Goaltending
Antti Nemi: 22 GP 16-6 2.63 GAA .910 SV%


Philadelphia Flyers Scoring Leaders
Danny Briere: 23 GP 30 PTS (12G 18A, +9)
Mike Richards: 23 GP 23 PTS (7G 16A, -1)
Claude Giroux: 23 GP 21 PTS (10G 11A, +7)

Top Defensemen: Chris Pronger 23 GP 18 PTS (4G 14A, +5)

Philadelphia Flyers Goaltending
Michael Leighton: 14 GP 8-3 2.46 GAA .916 SV%
Brian Boucher: 12 GP 6-6 2.47 GAA .909 SV%


Stanley Cup Finals Recap from the National Hockey League Website: www.nhl.com

Jonathan Toews zig-zagged through the crowd, long after the trophy presentation, his eyes turning every which way. Still on skates and in full gear - minus his gloves, helmets and sticks - Toews was trying his best to see through all the screens like Antti Nemi did on Wednesday Night.

"There it is," he said, pointing diagonally to the right as he looked behind him.

Yes, there it was, the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup, won with his 4-3 OT Victory on Patrick Kane's overtime goal 4:06 into the extra session of Game 6 on Wednesday Night at the Wachovia Center.

Toews, enamored with gold only 3 and a half months ago, fixated on the glistening Silver as he weaved through a crowd of media and family members who were walking over the previously fresh sheet of the Wachovia Center Ice. Ben Eager, who was having his own private moment with his family and the Cup, handed it to the "Captain serious."

He lifted it over his head, pasted a big smile on his face and told his family to follow him with the Cup - all 35 pounds and 36 inches of it - was being held so high that everybody, including a few thousand Blackhawks fans left in the building, could see it.

Thanks to Kane's surprising goal, Antti Nemi's resiliency and an overall group effort to recover the weight of the hockey world felt like it was crashing down on them, the Blackhawks all got to lift the Stanley Cup over their heads and celebrate with their families.

Not since 1961 has Chicago raised the Cup. The city will have its parade Friday and the team will have a summer to savor the championship.

"The party in Chicago is going to be all world," coach Joel Quenneville said after Kane got the OT Winner and Nemi made 21 saves. "It's been a long time."

Game 7 looked like a distinct possibility when Flyers Wing Scott Hartnell forced overtime with 3:59 left in regulation, but Kane scored a goal only he knew actually went into the net early in the extra period.

He deked and dangled around Kimmo Timonen, taking the puck around the lower portion of the left circle before throwing it on net. Kane immediately threw his arms up to celebrate as he rimmed his body around the corner boards, but there was no red light.

The Flyers were stunned. They had no idea what was happening.

"I didn't see the goal," coach Peter Laviolette said. It came in off the angle." I saw one of their players skate across the ice like he had won something. I got a little pit in my stomach. But I didn't know it when in. I haven't seen it."

The players that streak across Laviolette's field of vision could have been any number of the Blackhawks.

Patrick Sharp, Nick Boynton, Andrew Ladd and Brian Campbell trailed as #88 raced down to jump on Nemi. As Kane wizzed past through the Hawks bench, one by one they all started pouring over the boards.

Still it wasn't totally defined. Was it a goal?

Toews started back at the officials as he was hugging teammates. Sharp did the same. So did Brent Sopel and John Madden.

Video replays showed the puck went into the right side of the net, going through the Flyers goalie Michael Leighton (37 saves) and tickling the twine enough for it to flutter as if a gust of wind had just blown through Wachovia Center.

After a short review, it was ruled a goal - and the celebration was on.

"One guy went over the bench and all of a sudden it was just a waterfall," Troy Brouwer said. "I don't think any of us actually know it went in. We just followed the flow. Kane started celebrating so we figured it must have gone in."

Toews who finished the playoffs with 29 points in 22 games, was first handed the Conn Smythe Trophy from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Next came the Cup, making the Blackhawks captain an Olympic Champion, Stanley Cup Champion and Conn Smythe winner all within less then four months.

He also the youngest player (22 years old) to become a member of the Triple Gold Club (Olympic Gold, Stanley Cup Champion, World Championship).

"This tops everything for sure," said Toews, who assisted on Dustin Byfuglien's power play goal 16:49 into the first period that gave the Hawks a 1-0 lead. "We're brothers in that locker room and we pull for each other, and thats what makes us so special."

Toews handed to the Cup Marian Hossa, this year's fell good story of the Cup.

"Very appros", Quenneville said.

Hossa's military press with the Cup was three years in the making - he lost in the Final in each of the last 2 seasons. Hossa said he thought about his family and how hard his road to this moment has been when he had the trophy over his head.

It was a feeling made only more unbelieveable by a see-saw game of goals and emotions.

Chicago grabbed a 1-0 lead, but a dominating first period (17-7 shot advantage in SOG) was ruined by a late penalty and ensuing power play from Scott Hartnell 27 seconds before the first intermission.

Eight minutes into the 2nd period, Danny Briere made it 2-1 Flyers.

But Sharp and Andrew Ladd scored before the intermission to make 3-2 Hawks. Chicago was now 20 minutes away from winning the Stanley Cup, and 16 minutes it looked Ladd's goal (17:43 into the 2nd) was going to stand as the winner.

But all it takes is one bounce for everything to change.

With 3:59 left in regulation, Hartnell directed the puck into the net after Ville Leino's pass banked off Hossa in the slot. Tied 3-3, the record setting crowd of 20,307, the most fans ever to see a hockey game in person in the state of Pennsylvania, roared as the Blackhawks sagged.

Keith said the Hawks talked about who would become the hero.

"Sure enough, it was little Kaner," said Keith. "Hes scored big goals for us all year."

He may not score a bigger one in his life.

"I knew it was in right away," Kane said. "I just tried to take off and book it to the other end and try to sell the celebration. It was crazy. It's unbelieveable to be a part of this."

Chicago Blackhawks win Stanley Cup 4-2

Game Boxscore

Chicago Blackhawks 4 Philadelphia Flyers 3 (OT) (1-1, 2-1, 0-1, 1-0)

1-0 CHI: Dustin Byfuglien (PP) (Toews, Kane) 16:49 1st

1-1 PHI: Scott Hartnell (Briere, Pronger) 19:33 1st

1-2 PHI: Danny Briere (Leino, Krajicek) 8:00 2nd

2-2 CHI: Patrick Sharp (Bolland, Keith) 9:58 2nd

2-3 CHI: Andrew Ladd (Hjalmarsson, Kane) 17:43 2nd

3-3 PHI: Scott Hartnell (Leino, Briere) 16:01 3rd

4-3 CHI: Patrick Kane (Campbell) 4:06 OT


Game Stats

SOG: CHI 41 PHI 24

PIM: CHI 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties PHI 10 Minutes on 5 Penalties

Goalies: CHI Antti Nemi 21 SVS on 24 Shots PHI Michael Leighton 37 SVS on 41 Shots

ATT: 20,327

Stanley Cup Game 6: Can Chicago Skate the Cup Tonight?

With tonight's Game 6 being tonight in Philadelphia, the Cup will be in the house as the Blackhawks have a chance to win their First Stanley Cup in nearly 50 years. The big story going into this game tonight is that Michael Leighton will be the starter tonight despite having a bad 1st period by giving up 3 goals in just under 6 minutes late in the 1st period that lead to Chicago's 7-4 win on Sunday Night.

Other things to watch tonight include is how will Chris Pronger comeback after having a -5 in the last Game. Flyers Coach Peter Laviolette told reporters on Tuesday saying that is he is very confident of a Game 7 coming up on Friday Night and the Blackhawks are looking to finish the playoffs off in style.

With Philadelphia's strong ability to win games at home which includes a GAA of over 2.50 better at home then on the road, this game means everything tonight for the Flyers who are looking to push a Game 7 on Friday Night in Chicago. The Flyers also need to find a way to neutralize players like Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane who have been the biggest keys to this series.

Here's a look at the Flyers results compared Road to Home and you can see how many goals the Flyers have given up on the road. Especially when you look at the Stanley Cup Finals as this has been one of the highest Scoring Stanley Cup Finals since the early 80s when high scoring games in the Finals were a regular thing.

He has a -2 GD on the road while at home the Flyers improved their Home Record during the Conference Finals when they had 2 shutouts and gave up just 2 goals total in the Eastern Conference Final against Montreal. In 10 home games they are an impressive 9-1 and a +15 GD while on the road they have been a mediocre 5-6 on the road. So the Flyers need to get it done tonight.

My Pick: Chicago wins a low scoring game with Antti Nemi playing the game of his life. And the Blackhawks skate the Cup for the first time since 1961. Patrick Sharp also has one more goal and another big game to win the Playoff MVP Award.

Blackhawks 3 Flyers 1.

Here's a comparison of the Scores from the Flyers Home & Road Games to show you how much the Flyers need to win this one tonight.

Road Games

ECQF VS. New Jersey Devils

Game 1: PHI 2 NJ 1

Game 2: PHI 3 NJ 5

Game 5: PHI 3 NJ 0


ECSF VS. Boston Bruins

Game 1: PHI 4 BOS 5 (OT)

Game 2: PHI 1 CHI 2

Game 5: PHI 4 BOS 0

Game 7: PHI 4 BOS 3


ECF VS. Montreal Canadiens

Game 3: PHI 1 MTL 5

Game 4: PHI 3 MTL 0


SCF VS. Chicago Blackhawks

Game 1: PHI 5 CHI 6

Game 2: PHI 1 CHI 2

Game 5: PHI 4 CHI 7

-2 GD on the Road


Home Games

ECQF VS. New Jersey Devils

Game 3: NJ 2 PHI 3 (OT)

Game 4: NJ 1 PHI 4


ECSF VS. Boston Bruins

Game 3: BOS 4 PHI 1

Game 4: BOS 4 PHI 5

Game 6: BOS 1 PHI 2


ECF VS. Montreal Canadiens

Game 1: MTL 0 PHI 6

Game 2: MTL 0 PHI 3

Game 5: MTL 2 PHI 4


SCF VS. Chicago Blackhawks

Game 3: CHI 3 PHI 4 (OT)

Game 4: CHI 3 PHI 5

Total GD is +15 for the Flyers at home. A difference of 17



Quote of the Day From Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach Peter Laviolette

"I think that when you get to this point, there's a tremendous amount of confidence in your team to win hockey games. They get it and they understand it. If any team gets it, this team gets it, because we've been here so many times."


Here's some of the stories from the NHL Website plus team websites and home towns as Game 6 will start at 7:00 PM on NBC Tonight.

Flyers embrace Game 6 Challenge: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=531303

5 Keys for both the Flyers & Blackhawks: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=531257

Leighton will start Game 6 for Philadelphia: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=531239

Flyers must answer Hawks shock and awe Burst: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=531276

Who will win the Conn Smythe? www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=531300

For Hawks, Game 6 is decidedly different: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=531325

Hawks treating Game 6 like an elimination Game: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=531285

Antti Nemi needs to step up: www.suntimes.com/sports/2374908,antti-niemi-stanley-cup-goalie-060910.article

Chicago never had Game 5 in Doubt: The Blackhawks are One win away from the Stanley Cup Final

With a 3 goal spurt in just under six minutes which had goals by Seabrook, Bolland & Versteeg helped lay the foundation of what was a game that was never in doubt for the Blackhawks as Chicago went on to the 7-4 win to take a 3-2 series lead and can win the Cup on Wednesday Night with a win in Philadelphia.

Patrick Sharp had another big night as he had a goal & an assist to continue his great playoff run which takes him to 21 points while Dustin Byfuglien lead the way for Chicago with 4 points (2G 2A) along with Versteeg had a 3 point night (G 2A).

While guys like Patrick Kane was finally able to break through after having a bit of a scoring drought in the playoffs as Flyers D-Man like Chris Pronger were focusing on him in this Final.

Nemi made 23 saves in the win where he didn't have his best night, but with the offense, neither goalie was that great to begin with. As for Michael Leighton, he was pulled after giving up the 3 goals in the first period, Brian Boucher who played his first action since May 29 where he made 11 saves on 14 shots.

With the offense, he was doing his best to help keep the Flyers in the game, but with the way the Blackhawks were responding to basically after every Flyers goal when they thought the Flyers had some hope, it would be shot down by another Blackhawks goal.

My pick for MVP right now for the Blackhawks is one of the two Patrick's. Either Patrick Sharp or Patrick Kane will win the MVP Award for the Final. Sharp has been a menace all over the ice with his 21 points (10G 11A) and is not afraid to mix it up in the hits with his 16 penalty minutes and is one of the few guys that can neutralize Chris Pronger. Kane is up to 25 points including 16 assists which is 2nd in the entire playoffs. His speed makes teams sweat and he's nearly impossible to stop.

The Flyers couldn't stop the Blackhawks offense as they were playing from behind virtually the whole night despite great efforts by players Villie Leino who had 3 assists. However, Chris Pronger who's been the emotional leader of the team was defensive liability with a -5 in the game while Matt Carle who was a -3 last night. Philly needs to shore up the defense for Game 6 which includes some goaltending questions on who to start for Game 6 on Wednesday Night.

Chicago will be looking to end of the longest droughts in Stanley Cup History as a win on Wednesday night will give the team their First Stanley Cup since 1961. Game 6 comes up on Wednesday Night in Philly, then if necessary, Game 7 will be back in Chicago on Friday Night where a Stanley Cup Champion would be crowned for sure that night.


Kane Explodes: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=531116

Flyers Slump: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=531122

Will Boucher or Leighton start in Game 6? www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=531164

Game 5 Ratings up over last Year: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=531177


Game 5 Recap from the National Hockey League Website: www.nhl.com

In Chicago: All that was audible inside the Chicago Blackhawks dressing room late Sunday Night were soft voices and shuffling feet of a few dozen reporters battling for position in a scrum just like the players do on the ice.

From east to west and north to south inside the cavernous room, players stood in front of their stalls and quietly talked about dominating Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Smiles were scarce. Strange

The Blackhawks have just skated to a 7-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers and a 3-2 lead in the Stanley Cup Final. They've won 67 games this season, and with one more win they can erase 49 years of misery by winning the Stanley Cup. But you could hardly tell by the mood in the room.

"I think it's a sign of reality," Hawks center John Madden said. "We haven't accomplished anything. Yeah, we're up 3-2 in the series and we've been able to hold home ice advantage, but we know how well they play in their building. We have to get our rest, get our mind cleared on what we have to do on Wednesday. You can chalk it up to the maturity, but I think guys are real focused on what they have to do."

The next two days we fell like an eternity for the Hawks. They won't get their first crack at winning the Cup until Wednesday Night in Philadelphia (8 PM EDT on NBC & CBC). The two full off days are not welcome now, not after the way the Hawks played Sunday.

Showing off their brand new lines, created in part by the breakup of their former top line of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien), the Blackhawks raced out to a 3-0 lead after the first 20 minutes, by far their best period of the series.

Byfuglien, who was skating with Kris Verteeg and Dave Bolland, had 2 assists in the first. Brent Seabrook, Bolland and Versteeg all scored in a span of 5:58.

"That was a pace we've been looking for," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said.

It was enough for Flyers Coach Peter Laviolette to pull goalie Michael Leighton (10 saves) for Brian Boucher at the start of the 2nd period. Boucher made only 11 saves, and Laviolette didn't have an answer when he was asked who would start Game 6.

"One thing that I have learned along the way about the playoffs is one game is only one game. There's usually not a carryover effect from game to game," Laviolette said. "This is just one page of the story. Tonight it was their page."

Chicago turned the page on special teams. The Hawks were getting outplayed badly in that department through four games, but they won the battle on Sunday by scoring on 2 of 4 power plays and killing off all three penalties they committed.

The Blackhawks were 1-for-9 on the power play through 4 games while the Flyers were 5-for-16 and had scored at least one power play in each game.

"We did a good job of staying out of the box, better then we've done," Hawks defensemen Duncan Keith said. "We did a good job penalty killing and using our speed. Everybody was battling."

Byfuglien, previously invisible thinks to Chris Pronger, finished with four points (on 2 Goals and 2 assists). He was hard on the puck, physcial in the corners and a force in the slot. He was the game's first star and his power play goal off some tic-tac-toe passing with 4:15 to be in the 2nd period proved to be the game winner. It put the Hawks up 5-2 going into the 3rd period.

"He got rid of us and started performing" Kane said, offering one of the rare jokes we heard after this game. "That's all he needed."

Versteeg, who was disappointed in his effort after two losses in Philly, had three points and was a +3. He was the game's 2nd star. Kane, a minus 4 in Game 4, had a goal and an assist and earned the game's 3rd star.

"Everybody wants to make a difference tonight," Versteeg said.

"Everybody did, including Quenneville, whose decision to change the lines after the forgettable experience in Philly had a lot to do with the energy and speed the Hawks played with on Sunday.

Quenneville played coy about potential line changes Sunday Morning, but he cleary wanted to get Toews, Kane and Byfuglien separated so Pronger wouldn't have as great an effort on three of the Blackhawks top offensive players.

Brilliant.

Toews, Kane and Byfuglien combined for seven points and Pronger, a plus 4 in Game 4, finished minus 5 in Game 5, his worst performance of the playoffs in a landslide. He tried to brush it off in another comedic session with the media.

"I'm day-to-day with hurt feelings," Pronger cracked.

At least he has two days to recover.

"It's already gone," Pronger added. "I don't remember anything."

The Blackhawks better remember everything about game 5 because they'll have to replicate the effort and performance Wednesday when they won't have 22,305 screaming fans behind them.

Philadelphia is 9-1 on its home ice in the playoffs and has shown the resiliency of a cat all season, especially this spring. Chicago is 0-for-3 in games inside the Wachovia Center this season and 0-10 since 1996, but the Cup will be in the building and it can be theirs if they win.

Then, and only then, the Hawks celebrate.

"We just realize nothing is won yet," Keith said. "We need one more win to do it."


Chicago Blackhawks Lead Series 3-2


Game Boxscore

Philadelphia Flyers 4 Chicago Blackhawks 7 (0-3, 2-2, 2-2)

0-1 CHI: Brent Seabrook (PP) (Versteeg, Brouwer) 12:17 1st

0-2 CHI: Dave Bolland (Sopel, Byfuglien) 15:26 1st

0-3 CHI: Kris Versteeg (Seabrook, Byfuglien) 18:15 1st

1-3 PHI: Scott Hartnell (Leino, Briere) 0:32 2nd

1-4 CHI: Patrick Kane (Ladd, Sharp) 3:13 2nd

2-4 PHI: Kimmo Timonen (Briere, Leino) 4:38 2nd

2-5 CHI: Dustin Byfuglien (Toews, Keith) 15:45 2nd

3-5 PHI: James Van Riemsdyk (Krajicek, Timonen) 6:36 3rd

3-6 CHI: Patrick Sharp (Kane) 16:08 3rd

4-6 PHI: Simon Gagne (Leino) 17:24 3rd

4-7 CHI: Dustin Byfuglien (EN) (Versteeg, Bolland) 17:55 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: PHI 27 CHI 28

PP: PHI 0/3 CHI 1/4

PIM: PHI 8 Minutes on 4 Penalties CHI 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties

Goalies: PHI Michael Leighton 10 SVS on 13 Shots Brian Boucher 11 SVS on 14 Shots CHI Antti Nemi 23 SVS on 27 Shots

ATT: 22,309

3rd Star: Patrick Kane (CHI)

2nd Star: Kris Versteeg (CHI)

1st Star: Dustin Byfuglien (CHI)

Philly's Claude Giroux gives the Flyers an OT Win and cuts the series to 2-1

A back-and-fourth game that featured three ties and a couple of lead changes eventually lead to Claude Giroux's game winner 6 minutes into OT after a goal that looked like that helped the Flyers win just a couple of minutes was called a no goal after it rolled across the goal line.

The Flyers knew that they needed a big performance and a win to keep this series close and they did that very well with Giroux getting a goal and assist. Chris Pronger being a pest once again and Scott Hartnell playing like a maniac in this year's Finals.

Game 4 will be tomorrow night as we will have another critical chance for the Blackhawks to go up 3-1 and be within one win of clinching the Stanley Cup Title. As for Philadelphia, the Flyers are looking to keep the home cooking going to tie the series at 2-2 and guarantee one more home game for the Flyers in the Final.

ONE FINAL NOTE TO MLB, REPLAY WORKS, WE HAD TO USE IT ON 2 VERY CLOSE CALLS ON GOALS AND BOTH WERE CORRECT. THAT MEANS YOU BUD SELIG!!!!!!!!!!

Claude Giroux fulfills friends OT Pick: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=530843

Jonathan Toews stays positive despite Game 3 Loss: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=530836

Game Recap from the National Hockey League Website: www.nhl.com

In Philadelphia: Nothing can shake Philadelphia's belief in itself in this Stanley Cup Final - not the weight of history, not the skill and opportunism of its opponent, nor its own mistakes.

On Wednesday Night, the Flyers overcame that deadly trifecta to somehow fashion a 4-3 OT Victory - on the OT Strength of Claude Giroux's deflection on goal at 5:59 into OT - against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3 before a record crowd at the Wachovia Center.

As a greater testament to the Philadelphia resolve on this night, Giroux's goal came just 57 seconds after the Flyers thought they had won the game on a shot by Simon Gagne. Video replay, however, determined that the shot, which rang off the far goal post, never completely crossed the goal line.

Philadelphia stepped onto the ice Wednesday knowing that only two teams had to overcome an 0-2 start on the road to the Stanley Cup Final to eventually raise the trophy in victory. The Flyers also knew they were facing a Chicago team that had won seven straight road games. Yet, none of them mattered as the Flyers still believed they would win, despite the long odds of history stacked against them.

"I just had a feeling we were going to win tonight," forward Daniel Briere said. "I remember driving to the rink earlier in this afternoon and I just felt had this good feeling we're going to win; there was absolutely no way we were going to lose this game. It was just that feeling that we were going to do anything to get it done."

The Flyers had to have everything possible - and more - to get the win that puts them back in a series they now trail 2-1 heading into Friday's Game 4 here (8:00 PM ET on Versus).

In Wednesday's game, Philaelphia had to overcome the stigma of coughing up two leads - on goals by defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Sopel - and then allowing Chicago to score the go - ahead goal early in the third period on egregious turnover that turned into the go ahead goal by Patrick Kane on a breakaway at 2:50 of the third period. Philadelphia has now blown five leads in the first three games of this series.

Kane's goal took the sails out of the record crowd at the Wachovia Center, which had filled to overflowing with 20,297 fans attempting to will the Flyers back into this series with back-to-back one goal losses in Chicago. It was the biggest crowd not only in Wachovia Center History, but also the biggest crowd to watch an NHL Game in the state of Pennsylvania.

Come Thursday, though, at least three times that number of people will say they were part of the Bedlam on Broad Street as they pass along the incredible tale of a team that refuses to admit when enough is enough.

In face, Philadelphia's response to the goal by Kane - which would have broken a lesser team -defines the supreme will of these Flyers, who beat Boston two rounds ago despite falling into an 0-3 series hole and then trailing 3-0 in Game 7 before winning 4-3.

Ville Leino, a late season addition, tied Game 3 just 20 seconds later after Kane's goal. Briere had given Philadelphia its first lead with five minutes left in the first and Scott Hartnell scored midway through the 2nd for a 2-1 lead. Both goals came on the Power Play.

"It was a nice goal to comeback away after that (Kane Goal) and score, because you think its over", Philadelphia Coach Peter Laviolette said.

Driving hard to the net, Leino grabbed a fortunate rebound and slammed it past Antti Nemi, who had scrambled to stop a puck that had unexpectedly bounced off the skate of the defensemen Jordan Hendry.

"I don't think anyone was deflated at all," said Flyers defensemen Chris Pronger, who has become the emotional barometer of this team. "We needed to bounce back. There's going to be momentum swings through the course of the game, through the course of the series."

"There's lots of time left. I don't think anybody was panicking or deflated. I think it's a matter of just putting your head down and getting back to work."

Philadelphia never stopped working after Kane's goal, just as the Flyers haven't stopped working all postseason.

Before's Giroux's winner, the Flyers out-shot Chicago 16-5 - including a 14-3 margin in the final 17 minutes of regulation. The dominated zone play for long stretches and were finally rewarded with the goal by Giroux, who deflected a point shot from Matt Carle past Niemi.

"I won the faceoff and Kimmo Timonen passed me in the middle and passed to Briere on the side, and Matt Carle joined the rush," said Giroux, who said he received a text Wednesday Afternoon from a childhood friend Giroux would score the game winner in OT. "Carle's a great player and he can see the ice pretty well. I was trying to get a stick on it and it trickled in.

Giroux goal gave Philadelphia its first playoff OT Win in its first five tries, a string of futility dating all the way back to 1974. Suddenly, the building was jumping, the players were celebrating and the weight of both their past failures and the postseason's daunting history were forgotten - for a least few moments.

"It's been going on for a long time", Laviolette said of his team's undaunted responses to adversity. "Like I said this morning, 2-0 (down) for us is comfortable. Were ok with that. We know how to battle through it. We knew how important the game was tonight. Once we wake up tomorrow morning, we know we have to hold serve on home ice. I think the guys will be find with that."

On Friday, it will be Chicago's turn to respond to adversity. Captain Jonathan Towes, who set up Kane's breakaway goal, insists his club will be ready.

"When you come into this game, the series is far from over," Towes said. "We couldn't look ahead to Game 4 or anything beyond tonight. It's tough to lose, especially in OT when you work as hard you did."

"We're not looking past any game right now." Regardless of what the score is in the series, we'll keep getting better and we'll get ready for the next one."


Chicago Blackhawks Lead Series 2-1


Game Boxscore


Chicago Blackhawks 3 Philadelphia Flyers 4 (OT) (0-1, 2-1, 1-1, 0-1)

0-1 PHI: Danny Briere (Hartnell, Coburn) 14:58 1st

1-1 CHI: Duncan Keith (Kane, Hossa) 2:49 2nd

1-2 PHI: Scott Hartnell (PP) (Pronger, Giroux) 9:59 2nd

2-2 CHI: Brent Sopel (Madden) 17:52 2nd

3-2 CHI: Patrick Kane (Toews, Eager) 3:10 3rd

3-3 PHI: Veino (Giroux, Carle) 3:10 3rd

3-4 PHI: Claude Giroux (Carle, Briere) 5:59 OT


Game Stats

SOG: CHI 27 PHI 32

PIM: CHI 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties PHI 6 Minutes on 3 Penalties

PP: CHI 0/3 PHI 1/3

Goalies: CHI Antti Nemi 28 SVS on 32 Shots PHI Michael Leighton 24 SVS on 27 Shots

ATT: 20,297

3rd Star: Chris Pronger (PHI)

2nd Star: Ville Leino (PHI)

1st Star: Claude Giroux (PHI)

2010 Stanley Cup Final: Philadelphia Flyers VS. Chicago Blackhawks, make your picks

With the Stanley Cup Finals now set to go on Saturday Night, it's now time to make your picks for the Stanley Cup Champions for the 2009-2010 season. From the West, the Chicago Blackhawks who using the speed and talent of players like Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews as the Blackhawks stormed through the season by winning the Central Division and finishing 2nd in the Western Conference by winning 52 games during the regular season.

During the playoffs this year, the Blackhawks had a few issues with Nashville before crushing them late in the 1st round, beat Vancouver in 6 and sweeped the San Jose Sharks.

As for the Philadelphia Flyers, they have taken the underdog role as the Flyers crushed the Devils in 5 games, the 2nd round saw the Flyers become only the 3rd team in history to comeback from 0-3 down to beat Boston in 7. Then saw the Flyers finally solve Jarsolv Halak, Michael Cammalleri and company to end the 8th seeded Canadiens run by winning in 5 games.

The Flyers can play a very physical game with players like Chris Pronger, Daniel Briere and Jeff Carter. Does Philadelphia have the physicality to slowdown the Blackhawks speed, or does the speed and scoring ability will be to much for the Flyers to handle? We will find out on Saturday when Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final gets underway.

But first, here's a look at how the Philadelphia Flyers & Chicago Blackhawks got to the Stanley Cup Final.

#2W Chicago Blackhawks

Conference Quarterfinals VS. Nashville: Game 1 1-4 L, Game 2 2-0 W, Game 3 1-4 L, Game 4 3-0 W, Game 5 5-4 OTW, Game 6 5-3 W

Conference Semifinals VS. Vancouver: Game 1 1-5 L, Game 2 4-2 W, Game 3 5-2 W, Game 4 7-4 W, Game 5 1-3 L, Game 6 5-1 W

Conference Finals VS. San Jose: Game 1 2-1 W, Game 2 4-2 W, Game 3 3-2 OTW, Game 4 4-2 W


#7E Philadelphia Flyers

Conference Quarterfinals VS. New Jersey: Game 1 2-1 W, Game 2 3-5 L, Game 3 3-2 OTW, Game 4 4-1 W, Game 5 3-0 W

Conference Semifinals VS. Boston: Game 1 4-5 OTL, Game 2 2-3 L, Game 3 1-4 L, Game 4 5-4 OTW, Game 5 4-0 W, Game 6 2-1 W, Game 7 4-3 W

Conference Finals VS. Montreal: Game 1 6-0 W, Game 2 3-0 W, Game 3 1-5 L, Game 4 3-0 W, Game 5 4-2 W


Stanley Cup Finals Schedule (All Games start at 8:00 PM EDT/7:00 PM CDT)

Game 1, 5/29: @ Chicago NBC, CBC, RDS

Game 2, 5/31: @ Chicago NBC, CBC, RDS

Game 3, 6/2: @ Philadelphia Versus, CBC, RDS

Game 4, 6/4: @ Philadelphia Versus, CBC, RDS

Game 5, 6/6: @ Chicago NBC, CBC, RDS

Game 6, 6/9: @ Philadelphia NBC, CBC, RDS

Game 7, 6/11: @ Chicago NBC, CBC, RDS



With the schedule and contenders now known, it's time for some picks. I would to see your picks to win. Also vote in my Poll, and its who will win the Stanley Cup?


Who wins and in how many games?

Who or what is the X-Factor?

Who will be the Playoff MVP?


You can either respond here or on my twitter page at http://twitter.com/tanman9

2010 Stanley Cup Final Schedule

The Stanley Cup Finals just became official as the Flyers took down the Montreal Canadians 4-2 with Jeff Carter scoring the game winner on an empty netter with 30 seconds left in the game. Philadelphia is making their first trip to the Finals since 1997 when they lost to the Detroit Red Wings when they won the first of back-to-back Cups in 1997 & 1998.

Chicago is looking to their speed and strong scoring ability with players like Kane, Toews and Sharp among a huge cast that them selves are back in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1992.

The Fun gets going on Saturday Night from Chicago as NBC will have 5 of the 7 games as they will have the first 2 games, plus Games 5 through 7 if needed. Versus will televise Games 3 & 4 from Philadelphia.

#2W Chicago Blackhawks VS. #7E Philadelphia Flyers

Game 1, 5/29: @ Chicago 8:00 PM EDT/7:00 PM CDT NBC

Game 2, 5/31: @ Chicago 8:00 PM EDT/7:00 PM CDT NBC

Game 3, 6/2: @ Philadelphia 8:00 PM EDT/7:00 PM CDT Versus

Game 4, 6/4: @ Philadelphia 8:00 PM EDT/7:00 PM CDT Versus

Game 5, 6/6: @ Chicago 8:00 PM EDT/7:00 PM CDT NBC*

Game 6, 6/9: @ Philadelphia 8:00 PM EDT/7:00 PM CDT NBC*

Game 7, 6/11: @ Chicago 8:00 PM EDT/7:00 PM CDT NBC*

*If Necessary




Team Stats Leaders

Chicago Blackhawks Scoring Leaders

Jonathan Toews 16 GP 26 PTS (7G 19A, +4)

Patrick Kane 16 GP 20 PTS (7G 13A, +2)

Patrick Sharp 16 GP 16 PTS (7G 9A, +3)

Chicago Blackhawks Goaltending

Antti Nemi 16 GP 12-4 2.33 GAA .921 SV%

Full Chicago Blackhawks Stats: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/stats.htm?gameType=3&season=20092010

Philadelphia Flyers Scoring Leaders

Mike Richards: 17 GP 21 PTS (6G 15A, +6)

Danny Briere: 17 GP 18 PTS (9G, 9A, +4)

Claude Giroux: 17 GP 17 PTS (8G 9A, +10)

Philadelphia Flyers Goaltending

Brian Boucher: 10 GP 6-4 2.33 GAA .915 SV%

Michael Leighton: 8 GP 6-1 1.45 GAA .948 SV%

Full Philadelphia Flyers Stats: http://flyers.nhl.com/club/stats.htm




For more on the Stanley Cup Final, check out the following websites.

National Hockey League: http://www.nhl.com/

Chicago Blackhawks: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/?navid=nav-teamnav-chi

Philadelphia Flyers: http://flyers.nhl.com/