NHL Conference Finals Recap
Hawks to Take Flight Against Flyers
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#7 Philadelphia Flyers OVER #8 Montreal Canadiens 4-1
Turning Point: The Flyers physically overmatched the Canadiens and Michael Leighton had another shutout in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead.
Key Stat: 3. The number of shutouts for Michael Leighton
Result: I guess whoever plays goalie for the Flyers will outplay the better goalie. After Brian Boucher was hurt in Game 5 in Boston, all Michael Leighton has done is post a 6-1 record with a 1.45 GAA and 3 shutouts. Go figure. In previous series, the Canadiens were able to match up against scoring first oriented teams in Washington and Pittsburgh. Philadelphia’s grind-it-out and physical approach overwhelmed the much smaller Canadiens.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#2 Chicago Blackhawks OVER #1 San Jose Sharks 4-0
Turning Point: Dustin Byufglien buried a centering pass from Dave Bolland for a Game 3 overtime winner to give the Hawks a 3-0 lead.
Key Stat: 3. Game-winning goals for Byufglien in the series.
Result: So much for a long series between the top two teams in the conference. Separated by one point during the regular season, the Sharks couldn’t do enough to separate by a goal. Dustin Byufglien continued to be the unsung hero of the postseason finishing with game-winning goals in Games 1, 3, and 4. Antti Niemi continued his dominant play by stealing Game 1 and making enough key saves to sweep away the Sharks. For San Jose, another year goes by with no trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. While the Sharks went as far as many thought they would, to be swept away will leave more questions about what else this team can do to get to the next level.