Thanks again Ryan and happy hump day!!!!
Stanley Cup Final – Game 3
Chicago Blackhawks @ Philadelphia Flyers
8:00 ET… TV: VERSUS, CBC
Blackhawks lead series, 2-0
Players to watch:
CHI- Marian Hossa
Hossa has arguably been the Hawks’ best player through two games.
PHI- Jeff Carter
Carter has 9 shots, but no goals, thus far. Look for him to breakthrough tonight.
Keys to the game:
CHI- Weather the storm… If you’re Chicago, you have to expect that the Flyers will come out like gangbusters. Like they did in San Jose and Vancouver, the ‘Hawks need to get through the first ten minutes when Wachovia is electric.
PHI- Pounce on rebounds… Niemi has left some juicy rebounds in the first couple games, and Philly needs to capitalize. Niemi sees almost everything, so second- and third-chance opportunities are important for the Flyers.
Starting Goaltenders:
CHI- Antti Niemi (Playoff stats: 14-4, 2.40 GAA)
PHI- Michael Leighton (Playoff stats: 6-2, 1.97 GAA)
Injury Report:
CHI- Andrew Ladd (undisclosed, doubtful), Kim Johnsson (concussion, out)
PHI- Ray Emery (hip, out)
Game Thoughts:
If you didn’t know the final score of Games 1 and 2, and had only seen the on-ice play, you would probably assume the series 1-1… or even 2-0 in Philadelphia. Nevertheless, Peter Laviolette’s squad must battle back in a series once again in this postseason. Chicago has won seven consecutive games on the road – tied for an NHL postseason record. Can they make it eight in a row? Well, it’s going to be very tough. Philly is a bit aggravated by not winning a game in Chicago; but at the same time, I think they’ll use that frustration in a good way. Look for the 20,000 clad in orange to make a difference, and push the Flyers early on to get a goal or two. I expect Philly to be in Chicago’s face one again, delivering hit after hit, and putting forth their best effort of the season. It’s going to be a similarly-played game to Monday, but I see Laviolette’s bunch sending a statement tonight.
Prediction: Flyers 3, Blackhawks 1
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