2010 Stanley Cup Nightcap: The Goal? Score Lots Of Em!

Philadelphia: 5 - Chicago: 6 (Blackhawks Lead Series 1-0)

Little did anyone expect that game one would resemble an all-star game more than an intense game one final battle.  Some people coming into this called this the worst goaltending matchup in a final ever, and after tonight who could argue that point?  Make no mistake though, the defenses in front of the goalies on both ends of the ice were just as poor as the goaltending was and was just as guilty in this 11 goal game.

Do we still think that goalie gear needs to be shrunk and the nets need to be made bigger?

About the only thing that happened in game one that everyone counted on happening was that United Center was loud... very loud.  In fact according to NHL.com the highest level the crowd go to was during the playing of the national anthem and it didn't get much quieter after that.

Amazingly enough with all the goals scored, it wasn't the likes of Patrick Kane or Jonathan Towes that did any scoring for the Hawks, nor Mike Richards or Jeff Carter for the Flyers.  Instead it was Daniel Briere, Scott Hartnell and Troy Brouwer doing the heavy lifting.  Maybe an indication that the team whose role players step up more will be the more successful club.

It wasn't exactly outstanding hockey to watch, but you can't deny it was fun to watch and it was a back and forth fight the whole way through which is maybe all any fan can ask for at this point.  That said, with two outstanding coaches and two teams that have a roster full of proud, tough defensemen... don't expect this kind of offensive outburst at any point for the rest of the seires.

Then again, we weren't exactly expecting it to begin with in game one so maybe it's best just to have no expectations other than expecting some compelling hockey.