It looks like the Blackhawks are back into fighting shape and all it took was a game on the home ice.  They killed the Flyers 7-4 in Game 5 to take the 3-2 lead in the series.

It looked like it was going to be another defensive showdown in Game 5 as the first half of the first period passed without either team picking up a goal.  But, a determined Chicago team put an end to that when Brent Seabrook, assisted by Kris Versteeg and Troy Brouwer, took the first goal of the game on a power-play.  This was followed up with another Chicago goal when Dave Bolland tipped one in just over three minutes later.  And, Versteeg finished things off with the third and final goal of the first to put Chicago up 3-0.

Though a three-goal deficit is a lot to overcome, there was plenty of game left to play and the Flyers were nowhere near giving up.  They hit the ice hard in the second period, picking up their first goal of the game when Scott Hartnell slapped the puck past Antti Neimi just 32 seconds into the period.  Then the game took on a much more familiar feel with each team exchanging goals much like they have done throughout these Stanley Cup playoffs.  Chicago’s Patrick Kane put the Blackhawks up 4-1 with a goal at the 3:13 mark, but Kimmo Timonen knocked one in off the point just a minute later to put the score at 4-2.  Chicago finished off the period with yet another goal from Dustin Byfuglien to regain their three-point lead.

This is how it went for the remainder of the game.  Just when Philadelphia was starting to catch up, Chicago would maintain their massive three-goal lead with another goal.  In the end, their huge lead was too much for Philly.

It was evident at the end of Game 4 that Chicago was in need of some big changes.  Head coach Joel Quenneville certainly thought so as he shook things up a bit.  Both Kane and Byfuglien were moved from the first line, which gave both of these top scorers the chance to dominate the backup Philly line while picking up winning goals.  The shakeup also saw a return to form for Chicago, which resulted in a completely dominating performance.  Philadelphia played well in this game, outshooting the ‘Hawks in both the second and third period, but Chicago was just that good.

Philadelphia is going to have to dig deep in order to overcome the tremendous talent that emerged on Chicago’s side if they want to stay alive in this series.  Game 6 will take them back to Philly’s home ice, which could give them a slight advantage.  All the action gets started on Wednesday, June 9.  BetUS is offering the following odds:

Puck Line
Blackhawks: +1 ½ -265
Flyers: -1 ½ +225
Moneyline
Blackhawks: Ev
Flyers: -120

They are also offering the following updated odds to win the series:

Flyers: +325
Blackhawks: -450

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