The Chicago Blackhawks returned to the United Center and beat the Flyers 7-4 on Sunday to take a 3-2 games lead in the Cup Finals. The Hawks need one more win to win their first Stanley Cup since 1961 when Bobby Hull was a young gunner.
That is a long time ago. Last night Hull could been seen beaming as he and fellow Hall of Famer Stan Mikita looked on as the Hawks put on an offensive show. Winger Dustin Byfuglien finally showed up last night, scoring 4 points on 2 goals. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews both had moments of brilliance. Kane reminds one of Denis Savard. He is so quick and graceful on the ice. His wrap-a-round wrist shot went to the net and almost caught the Philly goalie off guard. Goalie Michael Leighton was pulled after the first period, with the Hawks leading 3-0. Philly scored twice in the second period while Chicago added another goal. You have to admire the grit of the Flyers. They sinply don't give up. They played hard but not particularly smart. And the Hawks made them pay.
Byfuglien threw his weight around and sent pesky Chris Pronger to the ice in a heap after a brutal check. Pronger has been dishing it out good, and he got some back in return.
Antti Niemi made some great saves in the third period to keep the Flyers at bay. The Hawks are going to have to play great in the next game in order to beat Philadelphia on their home ice. Do they have one great game left in them?
Let's hope so, because that is what is going to take. The Flyers are a very good, quick, opportunistic team that isn't going quietly into the night. The Hawks are going to have to seize the Cup from them. It should be a heck of a game.
