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Written by Mark
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Friday, 04 June 2010 11:33 |
NHL Hockey-Stanley Cup Finals Game #4 Chicago 2-1
Chicago Blackhawks (66-26-3-6)-Philadelphia Flyers (54-41-4-3)
By Mark-Friday, June 4 2010 8 PM EST
Line-Philadelphia -120 Chicago +107 o/u 5.5
The Wachovia Center will be rocking as the fans cheer the Flyers on to what they hope will be a series knotted at 2-2 at night’s end. After three games what we have seen is both offense’s dominate play despite each team’s strong defense coming in. Philadelphia was not given much of a chance if the games were a track meet on ice which they generally have been with the exception of Chicago’s game two 2-1 win in which the opportunities were there for a higher scoring affair. Apparently somebody forgot to relay that message to the Flyers as they have shown surprising offensive punch and have played the talented Blackhawks fairly even in that category.
Philadelphia likely saved their Cup hopes with a 4-3 OT win in game three on a Claude Giroux goal at 5:59 in the extra session off a deflection on a pass from Matt Carle that barely beat Antti Niemi. Danny Briere, Ville Leino and Scott Hartnell each found the net to lead the Philly charge but it wasn’t a surprise to see Giroux end this as he as had a nose for scoring the puck with 20 points and nine goals in these playoffs which is second on the team. Michael Leighton was kept on his toes throughout, stopping 24 of 27 shots as he tries to keep the potent Chicago attack under control which has been easier said than done.
For Chicago, Brent Sopel, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith did the damage as the Blackhawks took a brief 3-2 lead in the final stanza but couldn’t hold on. Antti Niemi allowed four goals on 32 shots although the post/crossbar had a hand in a few as well. A win in game three would have probably put the nail in the coffin of Philly and sent Chicago well on their way to their first Stanley Cup since 1961, but instead Philly has new life which could still be precarious should the Hawks win and take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Overall, Chicago still has an impressive 7-2 road record while Philadelphia has defined the home ice advantage with an 8-1 mark at the Wachovia Center. The Hawks had an equally impressive seven game winning streak go by the wayside but a win tonight would swing the momentum right back in their favor with game five in Chicago on Sunday. History has not been kind to the Flyers when facing a 3-1 hole as they have come back to win a series just once in 14 tries while the Blackhawks have stepped on the opposition’s throats with a perfect 14-0 mark when they have been up 3-1.
What needs to happen in game four for each team? I think each has the same problems and that’s keeping the puck out of their own net. As far as I can see, the only thing stopping anyone has been an occasional misfire, mistake or iron and it looks as if either Leighton or Niemi will have to stand on their head to change things. If this series continues at this pace I would have to give Chicago the edge tonight as I still think they have a few more bullets in their gun and the plus money is a bonus. I lean to the over also but totals looks like a crapshoot right now.
Mark's Pick: Chicago
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