Blackhawks swept the first 2 games at home but the Flyers came back with a win of their own. The Flyers improved to 8-1 on home ice, the best record in the NHL. The Hawks streak of 8 consecutive road wins was broken as they suffered their first loss since game 5 versus Vancouver. The game was won due to a 3rd period comeback after Patty Kane gave the Hawks the lead. Leino tied it up and Claude Giroux won the game on a tip in from Matt Carle's pass.
Flyers Coach Peter Laviolette gave his thoughts on Niemi to the media on Friday saying: "a couple of pucks went through him, i still think we can do a better job. We have a couple more areas i think we can exploit."
The areas Laviolette is talking about are no less the top corners. Niemi is a butterfly goalie all the way and when he goes down the top of the net is open for business, Flyers shooters however have had trouble capitalizing due to the pressure and sacrifice of the Hawks back six.
-News-
Hawks Winger Andrew Ladd has been ruled a game time decision by Coach Quenneville, he's been out since getting injured in Game 4 vs the Sharks. Tomas Kopecky has done a great job filling in for him. My guess either Burrish or Eager out for Ladd tonight.
Flyers winger James vanRiemsdyk could make his return tonight after sitting Games 2 and 3 out. Danny Carcillo didn't see ice time in the 3rd period or overtime last game, JVR will be a boost of offense for that Giroux line if he returns. JVR was a -2 in the Flyers Game 1 loss.
Reports are that JVR is in and will play along side Giroux and Asham. Carcillo being the odd man out.
-Stats-
Hawks:
Two Hawks goals came from their Blueliners in Sopel and Keith.
Kane and Toews broke their scoreless slump as they hooked up with the Hawks third goal.
Hawks PowerPlay is operating at 0% as they are 0/6. They were 3/14 versus the Sharks.
Flyers:
Flyers 2nd line of Hartnell Briere and Ville Leino have now scored 6 of the Flyers 10 goals this series.
While Richards Carter and Gagne have combined for 1 goal.
Michael Leighton is perfect at home this Postseason, record stands at 5-0 with 5 goals against.
Flyers PP is now 4/10, and that's with the lack of 1st unit production.
Players to Watch:
3/4 last game (W-Pronger 1g, Sopel 1g, and Leighton 3GA W. L-Toews 1a)
Hawks:
Ladd- Re-entries always spell trouble for the Flyers. Strong in front if he plays with Bolland's line he will be up against Timonen and Coburn.
Bolland- PK has to step it up, he's their top PKer.
Flyers:
Giroux- went cold in the first 2 games, had the OT winner in Game 3 and now gets his Linemate back in JVR.
Leighton- Think this could be the game he shines and maybe even steals the show.
Game at 8pm on Versus live from Flyers Nation!
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