HAWKS TAKE GAME 1
It was more like pond hockey in game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Flyers and Blackhawks. Very uncharacteristic defensive play by both teams with Chicago coming out on top 6-5.
No lead was greater than 1 goal. No lead lastest longer than 5 minutes until the Blackhawks scored the winning goal 8:25 into the 3rd. Flyers went away from their defensive style and got caught up in an unsuccessful track meet.
Goalie Michael Leighton wasn't able to make it out of the 2nd period. After allowing Chicago's 5th goal he was pulled in favor of Brian Boucher. After the game he said he understood why he was taken out. Both Danny Briere and Scott Hartnell among the players coming to Leighton's defense saying the team's poor defensive play left him out to dry. Coach Laviolette did not name his goaltender for game 2, but it's almost certain Leighton will remain in net.
Blair Betts stated it best after the game saying "we made some casual plays with the puck and it hurt us, but it's just 1 game". Offensive leaders: Danny Briere a goal and 3 assists. Scott Hartnell a goal and 2 assists. Flyers need to come back home with a split. Game 2 from Chicago is Monday night at 8 on 610wip.
