Stanley Cup Finals: Wild Night in Game 1

The Philadelphia Flyers will be remembered for as long as sport is played on this earth. The Flyers are only the fourth team in sports history to come back from a 3-0 deficit. They proceeded to blitz the Montreal Canadiens in five games. Nobody expected the Flyers to make it this far especially after drawing a match-up against the number two seed New Jersey Devils in the first round. But the Flyers fell short in Game 1 against the Chicago Blackhawks in a wild night.

Game 1 featured both teams combining for 11 total goals with the Hawks gaining the upper hand, 6-5. Tomas Kopecky scored the game winning goal on a pass from Kris Versteeg.

The Flyers held one goal leads all game long but failed to put the Hawks away. Philadelphia was not as physical as their past series’ having no penalties called against them in Game 1. They may need to get more physical to protect leads.

Troy Brouwer scored two goals and an assist for Chicago.

We’ve seen this before. Flyers facing adversity and then turning it up once they’re backed up against the walls. Will the Cinderella story Philadelphia Flyers continue their streak and close the book with a fairy tale ending? Let’s look at their strengths below.

Strengths

Nothing to lose. The Flyers are the seventh seeded team in the East, what makes you think that they’ll bow down to anyone especially after their historic comeback against the Boston Bruins? Their confidence is sky high and probably even more. It may look like a one-sided match-up on paper but didn’t we say the same thing about the Flyers-Devils match-up? Philadelphia brings a lot of intangibles.

Physicality and agressiveness. The Flyers physical play has got them this far. And even if the Blackhawks can match them physically, Philadelphia’s grit and intensity will help balance Chicago’s advantage in talent.

Do the Flyers have enough to pull off a miracle? They do have the right mindset and personal belief. It’s hard to speculate since everything that was suppose to happen in the playoffs didn’t happen.

Game 2 will be on Monday night.

NHL Merchandise

Stanley Cup mania is rampant and show your fever with our selection of NHL merchandise. You can also check out our NHL bedding to liven up your bedrooms. Flaunt your support of the Flyers or Blackhawks with NHL watches. The NHL shop has a great selection of items that are sure to satisfy your hockey needs.