The series shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4. Hopefully, the underdog Flyers can regroup and make the necessary adjustments before they fall too far behind. Philadelphia is used to playing from behind, but I doubt that they’ll be able to climb out of a 3-0 hole against a talented Chicago squad.

Simon Gagne scored on a power play for the Flyers in the middle of the third period.

Niemi gave everything he had just to keep the Flyers off the scoreboard. He survived the flurries of Philadelphia late in the third period. Chicago’s defense was more apparent in this game. The Flyers didn’t score with a little over a minute left in the game. Niemi made sure of that. The Fin brought the raucous Chicago crowd to their feet with an amazing display of saves. It was amazing how Niemi saw the multiple shots directed at him by the Flyers. Truly deserving of a standing ovation.

Marian Hossa and Ben Eager both scored in the second period to give the Blackhawks a two to nothing lead. After that, the Hawks made sure that there would be no miraculous comebacks. On this night, the lead belonged to them.

NHL Merchandise

Continue to show your support with our selection of NHL merchandise and NHL bedding . The Flyers may be down 2-0 but don’t give up hope. They’ve been in this situation before. Show your support for the Flyers. Or if you’re a Chicago fan, bring out your brooms and Blackhawks merchandise. The NHL shop has a great selection of items that are sure to satisfy your hockey needs, especially during the Stanley Cup.

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.

The Red Wings won their conference final last night by beating the Blackhawks in overtime.  Although plagued with numerous injuries to key players, Detroit keeps finding a way to win.  They only have a few days to rest up and get healthy as the Stanley Cup Finals kick off on Saturday.

The Penguins are looking strong after winning 8 of their last 9 playoff games, including a sweep of the Hurricanes in the conference finals.  With  the playoff’s leading scorer at the helm, Pittsburgh looks to continue their outstanding play and do what they couldn’t do last season, bring home the Stanley Cup.

Who do you think will win the 2009 Stanley Cup?  Take our quick poll and let us know if you think we will see a repeat of  last year’s finals, or if a set of new names will go on the cup.

There’s still time this hockey season to stock up on Detroit Red Wings merchandise, Detroit Red Wings bedding, and Detroit Red Wings watches.  You can also select Pittsburgh Penguins merchandise, Pittsburgh Penguins watches, and Pittsburgh Penguins bedding.

Photo by jpowers65 available under a Creative Commons Attribution license.