Cup Finals: Chicago at Philadelphia, Game 3

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 2nd Jun 2010, 

Written by BetRepublic

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Going into Chicago to start this best-of-seven was never supposed to be easy. Following back-to-back one-goal losses the Flyers still have their pride intact but tonight’s game is critical if Philadelphia hopes to turn this into series.

CHICAGO AT PHILADELPHIA
Line: Flyers -130
Over/Under: 5.5 OV -120

Blackhawk lead series 2-0

After an 11-goal scoring spree in the first game both teams felt the need for adjustments and Chicago decided to beat Philadelphia at its own game. By the 13 minute mark of period one the Hawks were leading in hits by a count of 16-8. The direct impact was felt by the Flyers offense who mustered just three shots in the opening frame compared to 17 in the first 20 minutes of game 1.

The book on Antti Niemi is a two step process: Fire as many pucks at him as possible and then try to scoop the rebounds that he so generously offers night after night.

Philadelphia was only able to initiate this part of their gameplan by the third period and Chicago, obviously aware of its own goaltenders deflectable personality, was beating the Flyers to the puck or the game may have gone into overtime. Tonight the Flyers need to bring their physical style back into play early and with the raucous home crowd behind them it shouldn’t be a problem.

SLEEPING GIANTS
Keeping Toews and Kane quiet for two home games is a commendable feat for the Flyers but as this game gets rough Philadelphia has to know it can rely on its penalty killers and defense to continue doing their job. Chicago’s first power-play of the series was not until the 15-minute mark of game 2 and while the Flyers need to stay disciplined, the team was 21-for-22 killing penalties vs. the Canadiens. Philly has the enforcers and tonight the likes of Carcillo, Hartnell, Laperriere and Asham have to bring the pain.

OVER/UNDER
Finding sense in how two games can have such different results is not easy but here are some numbers that can help for betting Game 3.

- The past three meetings between these teams in Philadelphia have all stayed below the total

- Chicago has played 22 overs and 8 unders following a home win the past two seasons

- Philadelphia’s record following a 1-goal loss is 16 overs and 5 unders

- Chicago after a 1-goal win has a mark of 16 overs and 7 unders since 2008

- Philadelphia has played over the total 13 of the past 17 times after a game in which three or fewer total goals were scored the last two seasons

The Wachovia Center opened in 1996 and that is the last time Chicago recorded a win there. Coming into the series Philadelphia was 13-2 vs. the Blackhawks in their past 15 meetings including a 7-1 record since 2002 but all of that pales in comparison to the 2-0 lead Chicago holds in this series.

As long as Philly sticks to its gameplan and does not get overwhelmed with the situation they have a legitimate chance of winning this game and getting right back into the series. Michael Leighton will have to be at his best but in this contest we side with the home team.
BetRepublic.com Pick: Take the Flyers