After dominating the first two games of the finals, but then having a letdown in games 3 and 4, the Hawks came to life in game 5 which resulted in the separation of its three top players, two of which played a vital part in game 5, and 6 wins and the winning of the cup.
Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien were important to the Hawks but had little production through the first four games, before the Big Buff came alive in the fifth one gaining four points and helping the Hawks take a lead in the series, as well as scoring a goal in the deciding game six game. Patrick Kane on the other hand, also stifled by the defense of the Flyers, finally helped solidify his importance to the Hawks, by scoring the game 6 overtime winner as well as getting another goal and assist that helped the Chicago clinch the cup in Philly, and gave the resurgent team a bright future, led by its young guns.
The tough defense of the Flyers led by Chris Pronger held the Hawks top line in check through four games, but couldn’t handle the split and faced the wrath of a three-pronged attack. Pronger took two early penalties, one which lead to the opening goal for the visitors. The Flyers showed their resilience as they have the whole year, by fighting back to tie the game twice. They just did not have the offensive attack that they needed mustering only 24 or so shots on Niemi while Michael Leighton faced 41.
This was by far the most exciting game being the deciding one, and this final one filled with some killer hits, great defense and some clutch(though not great) goal tending by both teams, but the Hawks had the better offense which is why they won the Cup for the first time in 50 years. Lets see if next year’s final can top this one, because this one was very entertaining and finally some luck for Marian Hossa, who in three trips to the final has fianlly won one.
