Last night was game 2 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. Unlike the first game, each team was playing a lot more carefully and there were fewer offensive blows on each end. Once again it wasn’t the big names that made the difference in the game and by the end of the night, one of the teams managed to squeeze in a narrow victory.

Philadelphia 1 @ Chicago 2 – After a scoring frenzy in game 1 of the series, only 3 pucks managed to squeeze itself between the pipes in this game. Antti Niemi of the Blackhawks provided a stellar night of goaltending including 15 stops in the third period to help carry the team to victory. Once again, it was the secondary scoring that saved the day as Marian Hossa and Ben Eager contributed a goal each for the win. Chicago’s top players were fairly quiet once again. Captain Jonathan Toews only managed 2 shots while Patrick “20 cent” Kane had 3. Dustin Byfuglien had an assist in the game, but his performance lacked the intensity during the other stages of the playoffs. The Flyers attempted to climb back into the game with a powerplay goal by Simon Gagne in the third but it was simply a case of too little too late. As this was another victory with a one goal differential, this series is far from over. The series is headed off to Philadelphia, where the Flyers hope to use some home ice advantage. Meanwhile the Blackhawks hope to carry the momentum for two more wins and take the Cup as soon as possible.
Chicago leads the series 2-1

Three Stars of the Night:
1. Antti Niemi (Chicago) – 32 saves
2. Marian Hossa (Chicago) – 1 goal
3. Ben Eager (Chicago) – 1 goal

Wednesday’s Schedule:
Chicago at Philadelphia – CHI leads 2-0 (TV: CBC, Versus)