This series looks like it might be shaping up for a Chicago sweep as Game 2 was another victory for the Blackhawks.

This game was decidedly more defense heavy as both teams kicked it up a notch on the backline.  In fact, the entire first period dwindled away without either team picking up a goal.  The Flyers only managed a disappointing three shots on goal while the Blackhawks had nine.  Both teams were ruthless when it came to controlling the defensive zone through the first, but seemed to ease up enough in the second to allow a little more action around the net.

Chicago came out with guns blazing after the first period break, hammering Philly with an offensive attack.  The plan worked as Marion Hossa not only slapped in the first goal of the game to give Chicago the lead, but he snapped an eight playoff game dry spell.  He was immediately followed up with a second Chicago goal less than 30 seconds later.  This time it was Ben Eager assisted by Dustin Byfuglien.  In a game where the defense was giving up nothing, suddenly the ‘Hawks were up.

Staring down a two-goal deficit, the Flyers turned up the heat.  They outshot the Blackhawks 15 to 13 in the second period, and absolutely hammered the net in the third.  The amped up offense came through early on in the third period when Simon Gagne put away a wrist shot, making the score 2-1.  They continued with their offensive barrage, which resulted in a very lopsided 15 to 4 shots on goal.  But they just couldn’t get it past Antti Neimi who was an absolute champion in the net.  He made a very impressive 32 saves in Game 2 and almost single handedly ensured another victory for Chicago.

Game 3 will see the series heading back to Philadelphia, which may be just what the Flyers need to regroup.  Though they were able to put together some brilliant moments in Game 2 (fantastic defense in the first and third period and offensive attack in the third), their problem has been consistency.  They need to play a full 60 minutes of solid hockey if they want to get back in contention in this series.  They may need a change in the net as well.  Michael Leighton was fantastic in leading the Flyers to the Finals, but he seems to have lost some of his touch in the first two games of this last round.  There was marked improvement since Game 1, but the ‘Hawks know how to catch Leighton off guard.  Let’s hope that the home crowd inspires some determination or we could be looking at a very short Stanley Cup Finals.

Game 3 is on Wednesday, June 2.  BetUS is offering the following odds:

Puck Line
Blackhawks: +1 ½ -250
Flyers: -1 ½ +210
Moneyline
Blackhawks: +110
Flyers: -130

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