The Philadelphia Flyers look to rebound from Game 1’s 5-6 loss tonight, Monday May 31, in Chicago against the Blackhawks. NHL oddsmakers at BODOG.com have the Blackhawks as -180 moneyline home favorites over the Flyers (+160) with the over/under set at 6 goals. Be sure to get your 2010 Stanley Cup Finals: Philadelphia Flyers vs Chicago Blackhawks Game 2 Odds & Predictions in now at BODOG.com
The Flyers will be playing a lot tougher tonight after losing many one-on-one battles. They were not as physically engaging as they should have been; they won only 38 percent of the faceoffs. The top line of Simon Gagne, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter was shut out. "When we lose as a team, typically everybody could have done something better," Laviolette said. "Last night is a perfect example. Sure, our defense could have played better. Our forwards could have helped out a little bit more. Our goaltender probably would like a second look at some of those. We need to tighten it up." They got great offense from their second line of Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell and Ville Leino. Briere had a goal and three assists, Hartnell played his best game of the playoffs finishing with a goal and two assists. Leino scored and had an assist.
The Blackhawks will take the win, even it’s ugly. They blew leads of 2-1 and 5-4 while goalie Antti Niemi struggled through the first two periods. Chicago's top line was blanked, by Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger. The Hawks second unit of Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp and Troy Brouwer was excellent. The top performers in Game 1 were Dave Bolland, Kris Versteeg and Tomas Kopecky. They all scored and had an assist to lift the Hawks to a win. "When you're checking and you're being smart defensively, you're going to put your opponent in a situation where they are going to make mistakes eventually because they're trying to make the plays against you all night," Toews said. "Those guys worked hard from the ground up, they didn't take any shortcuts and it worked out there way. Obviously they are great on taking advantage of their opportunities."
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Flyers are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.
- Flyers are 7-1 in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
- Flyers are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
- Flyers are 8-2 in their last 10 overall.
- Blackhawks are 6-1 in their last 7 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.
- Blackhawks are 14-3 in their last 17 games playing on 1 days rest.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Chicago Blackhawks
When: Monday May 31, 2010 8:00 PM ET
Line: BODOG.com
Pick: Flyers +170
Point-Spreads.com 2010 Stanley Cup Finals: Philadelphia Flyers vs Chicago Blackhawks Game 2 Odds & Predictions
The Bottom Line: The Flyers will figure out what they need to do, they’ll come out harder and more defensive. Be sure to get your 2010 Stanley Cup Finals: Philadelphia Flyers vs Chicago Blackhawks Game 2 Odds & Predictions in now at BODOG.com and receive a 10% Deposit Bonus and start winning today!
