How do you make up for leaky goaltending? Just score plenty of goals! With the series knotted at two, the series headed back to the United Center where the Blackhawks hope to use the home advantage to snatch a win. Goals were exchanged regularly on both ends but only one came up on top and is now another step closer to the Stanley Cup.

Philadelphia 4 @ Chicago 7 – Well if you can’t win by defense, might as well just stick with offense. That’s the mentality the Blackhawks went with in the game 5 victory last night at the United Center. By breaking up the top line of Kane, Toews and Byfuglien, Chicago was once again lighting up the scoreboard pushing them a game closer to claiming the Cup. The Blackhawks kicked started the game with an early 3-0 lead with a powerplay goal by Brent Seabrook followed by a goal from Dave Bolland and Kris Versteeg. The Flyers finally came alive in the second period, however for each goal they managed to score from that point, Chicago responded with one of their own. That first period really put the Flyers out of the game. Leaky goaltending from both ends continue to bring down each team. Michael Leighton was pulled after the first period, which is the second time in the series that he was yanked. Meanwhile Antti Niemi didn’t give out a great performance himself as he stopped 23 of 27 shots, but he had enough offensive support to steal the win. The series now heads back to Philadelphia where the Flyers hold a nifty record at home during the playoffs. Could the Blackhawks finally break the trend and win the cup away from home? If they can effectively take out Pronger and keep up the offensive firepower, it can certainly happen.
Chicago leads the series 3-2

Three Stars of the Night:
1. Dustin Byfuglien (Chicago) – 2 goals, 2 assists
2. Kris Versteeg (Chicago) – 1 goal, 2 assists
3. Patrick “20 Cent” Kane (Chicago) – 1 goal, 1 assist

Wednesday’s Schedule:
Chicago at Philadelphia – CHI leads 3-2 (TV: CBC, NBC)