Stanley Cup Finals Preview
By Jeff Hochman
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Chicago Blackhawks (Best of 7)
Series Price: Chicago Blackhawks -250
How they got here?
The Flyers had a decent regular season despite losing several key players to injury. They finished with 88 points, which was good for the 7th spot in the East. This team has the talent of a four seed and proved it in the playoffs. Philadelphia was a tough match-up for New Jersey, Boston, and Montreal as all three of those teams were offensively challenged.
The Blackhawks had very little trouble during the regular season finishing with 112 points. They showed how dangerous they can be in the playoffs by going 12-4, while never losing back-to-back games. The Blackhawks booked their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1992 by shutting down the San Jose Sharks' stars in four consecutive games. Very impressive!
5 X 5
The Blackhawks scored the most goals and gave up the fewest when playing five against five. The Flyers were ranked #15th in both categories but improved as they got healthier. Good stat to look at because most of the game is played five vs. five.
Better Offense
The Chicago Blackhawks have scored 56 more goals than the Flyers. The Blackhawks are big, fast, deep, and have such a high skill-set that makes it very tough for opposing defenses. Chicago leads the West in Shots-on-Goal, Scoring Chances, and Face-offs. The Flyers are ranked last in Face-Offs. Not a good combo if your a Flyers' fan.
Better Defense
This one is a lot closer but the edge goes to the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have allowed 17 fewer goals but the Flyers defense has been playing great in the Playoffs. Both defenses are big and have depth, but Chicago has the speed to go with it. The Blackhawks lead all of Hockey shots taken/shots allowed differential, and it's not even close.
Better Special Teams
The Chicago Blackhawks lead all of Hockey in Short-handed Goals, Shots Allowed, Fewest scoring chances against, and Power Play efficiency. The Flyers have been ranked in the Top #3 in committing penalties while Chicago is ranked #14. In the Playoffs both special teams have been good, which is one reason why they are both playing for the Stanley Cup.
Better Starting Goalie
Antti Niemi (Chicago) has a 2.18 GAA and I can count on one hand all the soft goals he has allowed this season. Michael Leighton (Philadelphia) has done a good job after injuries to Ray Emery and Brian Boucher forced him into action. Leighton has posted a 2.43 GAA this season in limited action. Both Goalies are tall, and when the pads go on they both look even bigger. Slight edge to Chicago.
Better Coaching Staff
Chicago Blackhawks. But, I really like what both coaches bring to the table in terms of game planning, game managing, and motivating players. Joel Quenneville (Chicago) has a career record of 535-327-77-60 while Peter Laviolette is 272-208-25-39. (Wins, Losses, Ties, OT Losses) Joel has a lot more experience than his counterpart.
Intangibles
Chicago Blackhawks. They have been on a mission since Day 1. The Blackahwks have not won a Stanley Cup Title since 1961, which is the longest drought currently in the NHL. The Blackhawks have Home Ice at the United Center, were they went 34-15 this season, while out-scoring foes 3.7 to 2.1. goals per game.
Stanley Cup Series Prediction
Chicago Blackhawks in 5 or 6 games. I picked them before the season started so why change now. The Blackhawks are really good and really focused. They will not let up until they win the Stanley Cup. The Flyers can exploit a few match-ups but at the end of the day it won't be enough. The Flyers will need to win their home games because I don't see them winning at Chicago. The Blackhawks sweeping the #1 seed (San Jose) was really impressive. I thought it would be a longer series with Chicago winning. Don't be surprised if Chicago wins the Stanley Cup again in 2011.