#7 Eastern Conference Champions Philadelphia Flyers vs #2 Western Conference Champions Chicago Blackhawks
The NHL Playoffs are a battle-of-attrition unlike any other pursuit of a championship......
The Flyers have not been to the Finals since 1997, and last won in 1975.....since that '75 win Philly has been to the Finals 5 times, losing each time.....Chicago was last here in 1992 and last hoisted the trophy allllllll the way back in 1961 (longer drought then the Maple Leafs) - they too have lost 5 straight Stanley Cup Finals series......
Philly took out New Jersey and Montreal in 5 games each, and we know the historic significance of their win over Boston......the Blackhawks bounced Nashville then Vancouver in 6 each and handled San Jose in a sweep.......the regular season was all Chicago (112 points) while Philly (88 points) qualified for the post-season on the last day of the season.....
Normally a Stanley Cup team has rode their top-tier goalie to this point but both of these teams are currently riding guys who did not start the season as the go-to guy.......Michael Leighton is one of three goalies used 
by Philly this year....first it was the Ray Emery experiment and Brian Boucher also had a lot of playing time this year.......for Chicago Antti Niemi is carrying the load where it was once thought that Cristobel Huet would be their best goaltender......both teams have good/physical defenses helping the situationOn the offensive end the headliners will be names like Richards/Carter/Briere vs Toews/Kane/Byfuglien but both teams are getting impressive contributions from multiple players.........each team has 13 players with PLUS in the +/- category and both teams have played well on the road
Each team faces a way different opponent.......for Philly they have not seen a team that can dominate with skill and speed on both ends like Chicago, and for the Blackhawks this will be a tougher/meaner team, especially on the defensive end, then they have playedSo what style wins the Cup?!?!
Chicago is a HUGE favorite to skate around the rink hoisting the Stanley Cup and even though I like this Flyers team a lot, and can appreciate how tough they are to play, I can only come to that conclusion as well...Chicago in 5
This Blackhawks team is on a historic level - one of the best ever - at getting their shots while limiting your shots......both teams have depth but only Chicago has amazing skill.....I would consider it a wash in net, and at the coaching spot as well......Chicago has been playing on a different level for a longer period of time (all season really) and their road play, plus special teams play (3 big short-handed goals and counting in these playoffs) will be key......their shots for/shots against dominance will be the difference in this series as Philly will need to win games 2-1 but good luck with that vs a Chicago team that will surely generate more chances for themselves then that......Not exactly out on a limb here but I can only call it the way I see it......Chicago in 5
craig.ballard@hotmail.com
