Hawks Take a Commanding Lead While Flyers Search for Answers

After losing Game 2, if the Flyers can muster the will and know how to capture the Stanley Cup they will be a team for the ages. Given the fact 91% of teams which win the opening two games of the Finals go on to become champions, the Flyers are in a deep, deep hole. After overcoming a three game to none deficit to the Bruins, if the Flyers were to defeat the Blackhawks they would be revered for years to come.

Realistically the Flyers don’t appear deep enough and so far haven’t had the necessary goal tending to make a comeback likely. In Game 2 the best player on the ice was Antti Niemi and was the biggest reason why the Hawks have a commanding lead in the series.

From the opening eight minutes of the second period on Niemi reeled off six huge saves. His best stop came late in the middle frame on Arron Asham, but Niemi wasn’t done. Philadelphia was all over Chicago in the final period and could have scored a bunch of goals. The Flyers made up for the slow opening period but Niemi was the Blackhawks savior in the late going.

The Hawks played more tentative with a lead than normal. Trying to capture the Stanley Cup will cause some apprehensiveness.   

Even though the Flyers were in desperation mode Niemi stayed strong. He made some great stops during the last frame and left very few rebounds.

Simon Gagne was the Flyers best player and in the final twenty minutes alone could have scored a hat trick. Niemi wouldn’t flinch as he made sure the Flyers skated out of Chicago still wondering what they needed to do beat the Hawks.

Post game comments from Danny Briere indicated the Flyers were overly concerned with stopping the Hawks attack in periods one and two. The skillful winger thought they were too influenced by the high score of Game 1.  Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette wouldn’t necessarily agree with Briere, but he thought his crew could have started the game better.

Laviolette’s assessment was the Hawks were in control at the beginning of the game and they influenced the Flyers slow start. He thought the second period was fairly even although the Hawks scored twice. The Flyers bench boss said his team had the better of the third period. In conclusion Laviolette thought Niemi was the difference.

Laviolette had all good points, as the Flyers did have more chances to score but couldn’t seal the deal. Philly would need their goal tending to be at least as good as Niemi to have a chance in the series. So far Niemi has been better in each game.

The Flyers do their best work in the Hawks zone, but they can’t sustain the same pressure all over the ice. Philly doesn’t have four effective lines or six reliable defensemen.

Chicago’s depth on offense and defense was the difference in Game 2. 

Ben Eager played a whole 4:03 and besides having the game winning goal averaged a hit for every minute he played. The fourth liner made his presence felt.

As has been the case throughout the post season Joel Quenneville made the correct calls. Eager was sent out on the ice after Marian Hossa scored to skate with Jonathan Toews and Dustin Byfuglien. Quenneville commented he was looking  for some energy and to create more space so he substituted Eager for Patrick Kane.

Twenty eight seconds after Hossa scored Eager launched a wicked wrist shot and potted the game winning goal. Eager toe dragged the puck and used Flyer defender Matt Carle as a screen and beat Michael Leighton to the near post. The Hawks had added another goal while one of their top scorers was on the bench. The Flyers have been able to stop Kane but they can’t contain everyone.

On the Hossa score the Hawks played keep away and eventually the puck found its way behind Michael Leighton. Chris Pronger or Kimmo Timonen can’t always be on the ice. Chicago’s first tally occurred while Lukas Krajicek and Oskars Bartulis were playing. They are the Flyers number five and six defensemen and Leighton couldn’t be faulted.

The biggest difference between the two clubs is the Hawks are playing with a bigger stack of chips. 

Make no mistake the Flyers haven’t been badly outplayed, actually on Monday evening they had more shots and chances to score than the Blackhawks. In my opinion Philadelphia is the best team Chicago has faced all year and they have the toughest foreckeck as well.

Once again Quenneville looked more relieved than happy after his team won. He knows his crew has not played a complete game yet.  

The good news is his squad has a commanding lead in the series and is now headed out of town. Going to Philly may chill out the young Blackhawks and help them refocus on playing more effective hockey.

When the Canucks tried to rough up the Hawks so they could slow them down, it didn’t work. When the Sharks tried to change to be more aggressive and looked to shoot high on Niemi it didn’t work. The Flyers are still trying to adjust and seek out their best plan to win. So far they have lost both games in different ways. 

In the past two post seasons whenever the opposing club has tried to adjust their style of play against the Hawks it hasn’t worked. 

When Chicago lost to Detroit in last year’s playoffs the Wings didn’t need to change anything. Actually Nashville played the best against the Hawks in this post season and they didn’t change anything either.

Are the Flyers going to follow in the footsteps of the Canucks and Sharks?

It sure seems like I have seen this movie before and it doesn’t end well for Philly. 

Al’s Shots 

Once again Brian Campbell didn’t play in the final five minutes of the game.

Kane only played one shift in the final six minutes.

The Hawks coaching staff has done an outstanding job of using their personnel. Hurt feelings don’t matter at this time of year.

Mike Richards kept getting tossed from the faceoff dot but that was ok for the Flyers.

Richards was still a winner 60% of the time and when he was booted Jeff Carter was able to win at a 64% clip.

The Hawks still won the faceoff battle with 52% win percentage but Bolland had a tough night. He was only six of 23 for a dismal 26%.

If Andrew Ladd comes back who sits out…..Tomas Kopecky or Adam Burish?

It will probably be Burish and he won’t like it, but Quenneville doesn’t have much choice.

Tomas Kopecky played another strong game and if Ladd is healthy he is too valuable not to use.

Jordan Hendry had a nice game and he will gain more ice time next season.

Duncan Keith had six blocked shots.

Brent Seabrook led the Hawks with seven hits.

Kane did have three shots but the Flyers have defended him well.

Philly also did a nice job against the Hawks power play.

The Hawks are 10-0 this post season in games decided by two goals or less. 

Those interested in listening to my post game comments with XM’s Jamie Shalley can click on the link below.

http://rcpt.yousendit.com/882199137/9c5fc7af0cb8ef68e304fff908087302 

I have been very impressed with the Flyers forecheck so I asked Keith about it after last night’s game. 

Q.  Duncan, the Flyer fore-check, is that the best you’ve seen all year?
        DUNCAN KEITH:  I don’t know.  They’re pretty good.  Let’s put it that way.  Definitely got some guys with a lot of speed.  Especially on their forwards who can get in there quick and create some havoc.  Anytime you get in there with some speed, it’s tough.
        But we as defensemen, that’s our job to get back, make quick plays and smart plays, and get the pucks out to the forward.  Definitely Philadelphia is good at the fore-check, for sure.

blackhawkswin@comcast.net