Stanley Cup Final – Game 5
Philadelphia Flyers @ Chicago Blackhawks
8:00 ET… TV: NBC, CBC
Players to watch:
PHI- Chris Pronger
Pronger, as expected, has been a force in this series. If they can get him on the ice against the Hawks’ top line, it’ll pay dividends.
CHI- Jonathan Toews
Toews has one assist and a minus-3 rating in the series. I fully expect him to bust out tonight.
Keys to the game:
PHI- Continued power play success… One of the reasons why Philly has clawed back in this series is the power play. Their man advantage has been lethal through four games (5/16), and that needs to continue.
CHI- Sharp Niemi… Remember that goalie that was stopping everything that came his way from the end of Game 1 through Game 2? The one that turned away 38 of 39 shots in that span? Yeah, that Niemi must show up tonight.
Starting Goaltenders:
PHI- Michael Leighton (Playoff stats: 8-2, 2.14 GAA)
CHI- Antti Niemi (Playoff stats: 14-6, 2.55 GAA)
Injury Report:
PHI- Ray Emery (hip, out)
CHI- Kim Johnsson (concussion, out)
Game Thoughts:
This is what every hockey fan wishes for when their team is not in the final: two teams tied at two that are two wins away from Cup glory. One team will be just one win away after tonight’s contest. Philadelphia has stormed back to knot the series, looking like a team that has Chicago’s number. Toews and company have been thrown off their game all series, and very easily could be down 3-1. Expect some line juggling from Joel Quenneville, whose adjustments haven’t worked yet. Look for the Flyers to keep playing loose and confident, while the ‘Hawks will be the ones feeling the pressure.
I expect it to be decided in the third period (or overtime) once again, and I feel like anything can happen in this game. Since I think the winner of this game will ultimately skate the Cup, I’m picking Chicago. They can carry over some confidence after a stellar third period, and have responded to challenges all postseason. It should be another great game!!
Prediction: Blackhawks 3, Flyers 2
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