Goaltending and defensive miscues were the central theme throughout most of Game 1 of the 2009-2010 Stanley Cup Finals. Flyers goalie Michael Leighton seemed to have difficulty following the puck in giving up 5 goals on just 20 shots. Brian Boucher recovered from injury just in time to fill in for Leighton allowing 1 goal on 12 shots. Blackhawks tender Antti Niemi had his own lapses taking bad angles and dropping low in the net too often. A trait that the skilled Flyers offense took advantage of throughout the 1st and 2nd period.
The Hawks defense struggled with breakout passes and coverage throughout the first two periods. Philadelphia defenseman Chris Pronger mixed it up with physical Blackhawks forward Dustin Byfuglien frequently as the Toews-Kane-Byfuglien were held pointless at game end. Flyers center Danny Briere played like a man possessed posting 1 goal and 3 assists while also backchecking effectively. Flyers forwards Ville Leino and Scott Hartnell crashed the net and put pucks in front of the crease.
Hawks winger Marian Hossa is looking to make his third Finals appearance the charm with determined play that earned him two assists. His linemate Troy Brouwer posted 2 goals both of which were lightning quick one timers on some deft passes. Brouwer would also chip in an assist for a 3 point game.
Overall it was a physical game between two teams that didn't seem to settle in until the 3rd period. Some Stanley Cup jitters were evident on both squads, but that should improve with the experience behind the bench for these teams.
So who does Philly start in between the pipes for Game 2 Monday night?
Will we see another pond hockey special or will we see better defensive coverage next game?
Hossa the curse, can it be broke this year? If not I'd like to see an informative article on why and how this happens.
ReplyDelete