Stanley Cup 2010 Game Six Running Diary

The Chicago Blackhawks have an opportunity to clinch the Stanley Cup tonight as they face the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 6 of the Finals. The Blackhawks lead 3-2 but are trying to clinch in Philadelphia. This seems like the perfect opportunity for a running diary.

The big question leading into the game: Who will start in net for the Flyers? Injuries have continued to put Michael Leighton in goal ahead of Brian Boucher but Leighton was far from stellar in the Flyers' game 5 loss. It looks like Flyers coach Peter Laviolette will start Leighton but expect the announcers to be questioning the decision every few minutes, especially if Leighton lets in a soft goal early.

The other major questions heading into the game are can Chris Pronger and the Flyers' defense rebound or will the ‘Hawks young stars shine as well as how many times will they show the Cup being guarded by actors playing security guards?

I think the Blackhawks are the better team and will eventually win the cup but the series has been too back and forth and Chicago has been too uneven. I see Philadelphia taking game six 4-2 before the Blackhawks take game seven and the series back in Chicago.

Interesting note: While most (read: all) teams play the Star Spangled Banner before sporting events the Flyers had a rendition of God Bless America performed. Lauren Hart sang live accompanied by a recording by Kate Smith. Apparently it has been considered lucky when Smith sings before the game. The Flyers have a record of 87-22-4 when she sings before a game. Thought that was interesting.

First Period

19:15 – Flyers get first breakout after the Blackhawks had a few opportunities to put the puck on net but Blackhawks take it right back. Not sure if the Blackhawks are thinking about clinching or what else could be motivating them but they are moving a little faster than I remember in some other games.

16:48 – The Flyers had a couple of decent opportunities doing a nice job of keeping the puck in the offensive zone but the Blackhawks keep clearing and Philly matches with an icing. It is so hard to keep possession of the puck on a stick I have to wonder if maybe longer possession (and maybe more space on a bigger rink) would help attract more fans. My other issue: Is there any other sport where teams are so willing to give away possession? Hockey teams just shoot the puck into the other zone either to change lines or releive pressure but that would NEVER happen in any other sport.

14:41 – Blackhawks are outshooting the Flyers 5-1 but Philly had some a surprisingly good job keeping possession. Chicago has not managed to break out from the defensive zone and instead keeps dumping ahead in the past few minutes (after an early first minute flurry of shots).

12:10 – The announcers just said that Leighton is 2-0 at home in the Cup and 6-0 at home in the Playoffs. He has been far less impressive on the road (.831 save percentage), which makes me wonder, why not platoon the two goalies? Boucher starts on the road and Leighton starts at home. There are flaws but the goalies can be prepared and they will be rested as well. Also never hurts to switch it up on an opponent.

11:19 – Flyers' defenseman Chris Pronger takes the first penalty of the game. The Blackhawks got on the board early in game five and never looked back. A power play goal here would make a statement and force the Flyers back on their heels and into desperation mode almost immediately.

9:17 – Flyers kill the penalty and I think that shifts the momentum to Philly. The post saved Leighton on the power play and Philly needs to thank whoever was looking out for them and score quickly. The first goal in this game is going to be enormously important.

8:00 – Blackhawks are outshooting the Flyers 11-2. While many think that it is bad that my knowledge of hockey only really exists thanks to the Mighty Ducks, I happen to think it is a good thing. The way Leighton is being peppered by shots reminds me of the scene in the first movie when they tie Goldberg (coincidentally a huge Flyers fan) to the goal and just constantly shoot pucks at him as he yells for help. I would not be surprised if Leighton is behind the mask yelling, "Charlie, Coach Bombay, let me out!"

3:30 – Pronger takes another penalty. I know the guy is a dominant defender and incredibly important to shut down Toews and Kane but he has now taken two penalties. There has to come a point where his aggressiveness needs to be toned down for the good of the team. He will be very lucky if his team can kill off another penalty the way Chicago's offense has been getting good opportunities even on even strength.

3:11 – Blackhawks capitalize on the power play and go ahead 1-0. Byfuglien powers in the first goal past Leighton. Speaking of Byfuglien, where does he rank on the list of athletes you would not want to meet in a back alley? The icy stare, the enormous size and the fact that he hits people for a living on the ice. I say he is high but not in the top ten. He is not a mean guy but I do think he is intimidating especially when he comes charging in on a goalie. I wouldn't want to be checked by him.

0:26 – Philadelphia evens up the game with a power play goal of their own. Hartnell was right in front of Niemi for the entire possession. Niemi made a nice save on the first shot but a rebound kept possession for Philly. Duncan Keith knocked down Hartnell with a slash to the leg but he got up and made Niemi pay. Game six is all tied up 1-1 heading into the first intermission.

Second Period

19:35 – Niemi absolutely stonewalls Gagne of the Flyers on a fast break chance. The Flyers were seriously out played in the first period but went into the break tied 1-1. They need to start getting things moving their way (a fortuitous goal, a big hit or something) or else things could get bad and the Blackhawks might be heading into the second intermission up by two or three goals.