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Pivotal Matchups 10 things to watch for in the Finals - by The Inquirer's Sam Carchidi

<h4>Flyers scoring line of Mike Richards, top, Simon Gagne, and Jeff Carter vs. Blackhawks checking line of Andrew Ladd, Dave Bolland, and Kris Versteeg</h4><br /><br><br />The Flyers need their top line to continue to set the scoring pace despite the Hawks´ defensive success so far. Ladd, Bolland, and Versteeg, three speedy players, figure to see lots of time against the Richards line in Chicago, where the Hawks will get the last line change. The Flyers´ game plan is to shoot high on goalie Antti Niemi. This line will also face top defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.

Flyers scoring line of Mike Richards, top, Simon Gagne, and Jeff Carter vs. Blackhawks checking line of Andrew Ladd, Dave Bolland, and Kris Versteeg

The Flyers need their top line to continue to set the scoring pace despite the Hawks' defensive success so far. Ladd, Bolland, and Versteeg, three speedy players, figure to see lots of time against the Richards line in Chicago, where the Hawks will get the last line change. The Flyers' game plan is to shoot high on goalie Antti Niemi. This line will also face top defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.

Flyers winger Ian Laperriere vs. Blackhawks scorers Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane

Laperriere fearlessly tries to block shots with his body at every opportunity. Sharp and Kane will need to avoid wasting their chances when he is nearby. Sharp, a former Flyer, may have Chicago's hardest shot; Kane's trademark shot is a wrister from the left circle.

<h4>Flyers defensemen Braydon Coburn (right) and Kimmo Timonen vs. the Blackhawks´ scoring line of Dustin Byfuglien, Jonathan Toews (left) and Patrick Kane.</h4><br /><br><br />If Coburn and Timonen can´t keep this line from dominating the action, the series could be a short one. Chris Pronger and Matt Carle will also see a lot of time against this dominating unit. The Flyers´ "Core Four" defensemen were outstanding in the first three rounds.

Flyers defensemen Braydon Coburn (right) and Kimmo Timonen vs. the Blackhawks' scoring line of Dustin Byfuglien, Jonathan Toews (left) and Patrick Kane.

If Coburn and Timonen can't keep this line from dominating the action, the series could be a short one. Chris Pronger and Matt Carle will also see a lot of time against this dominating unit. The Flyers' "Core Four" defensemen were outstanding in the first three rounds.

Flyers line of Ville Leino (left), Danny Briere, and Scott Hartnell vs. Blackhawks defensemen Brian Campbell and Niklas Hjalmarrson.

The Flyers need this line to continue its superb play and take some of the scoring pressure off the first line. Campbell and Hjalmarrson play the body and the puck well. Campbell is also an excellent skater and an offensive threat.

Flyers' power-play line of Simon Gagne, Mike Richards, and Jeff Carter, above, vs. Blackhawks penalty killers John Madden and Dave Boland.

The veteran Madden uses his stick well to keep opponents off balance, so the Flyers will need to set up behind the net and in the corners to get the angles. The Flyers are 17 for 82 (20.7 percent) on the PP during the playoffs. Chicago has scored three shorthanded goals in the playoffs.

Blackhawks left winger Dustin Byfuglien vs. Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger

Can the Blackhawks' massive winger "known as Big Buff " make a stand in front of the Flyers' goal, or will the 6-foot-6, 220-pound Pronger be able to keep the crease clear of enemy snipers? Byfuglien, a 6-4, 257-pounder who has also been used as a defenseman, had three game-winning goals in the conference finals.

Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews vs. Flyers goalie Michael Leighton

Toews has become the Conn Smythe front-runner as he leads all playoff scorers with 26 points. He is hoping to become the second-youngest captain (22 years old) to ever lead his team to a Cup. Leighton will have to be ready for Toews' trademark stuffer from the goal line.

Blackhawks shot-blocker extraordinaire Brent Sopel vs. Flyers sharpshooter Jeff Carter

Keep an eye on how often Sopel throws his body in front of a Carter howitzer. Sopel is to the Hawks what Ian Laperriere is to the Flyers: fearless. "I'll be about 50 years old before I'm fully healed up," Sopel said. The veteran is making his first appearance in the Finals.

<h4>Blackhawks power-play unit of Dustin Byfuglien, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane, above, vs. Flyers penalty-killers Mike Richards and Claude Giroux</h4><br /><br><br />Giroux has been clutch during the postseason, but the Hawks´ power play moves the puck fast and is 14 for 62 (22.6 percent) in the playoffs. Richards, Giroux, Blair Betts, and Darroll Powe were relentless penalty killers in the conference finals, helping the Flyers kill 21 of 22 penalties against Montreal.<br />

Blackhawks power-play unit of Dustin Byfuglien, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane, above, vs. Flyers penalty-killers Mike Richards and Claude Giroux

Giroux has been clutch during the postseason, but the Hawks' power play moves the puck fast and is 14 for 62 (22.6 percent) in the playoffs. Richards, Giroux, Blair Betts, and Darroll Powe were relentless penalty killers in the conference finals, helping the Flyers kill 21 of 22 penalties against Montreal.

Blackhawks net crashers Dustin Byfuglien, Troy Brouwer, and Andrew Ladd, above, vs. Flyers goalie Michael Leighton

These tough forwards will look to create distractions in front of Leighton to open some space for their respective lines. Leighton better be on his toes because the Hawks will get much more traffic out front than Montreal did in the previous round.

Stanley Cup Finals Schedule | Flyers Playoff Statistics | Photos: Past Flyers Stanley Cup Teams

Flyers' 'old guys' vs. Chicago's youngsters

When you analyze the talented rosters, the Flyers and Blackhawks are oh, so evenly matched. Among the intangibles in the Flyers' favor, however, is that they could have a more desperate edge to their game.

HEAD TO HEAD: FLYERS VS. BLACKHAWKS

Leighton seizes the moment: By Ray Parrillo, Inquirer Staff Writer

Jeff Reese couldn't imagine a more treacherous situation for a goalie to skate into. Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in Boston. An elimination game for the Flyers, who are clinging to a 1-0 lead with 15 minutes, 29 seconds left in the second period.
Lottery put friends on opposite sides of Stanley Cup: By Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer

The Stanley Cup Finals have numerous intriguing story lines - and the matchup between Flyers rookie left winger James van Riemsdyk and Chicago right winger Patrick Kane is near the top of the list.
Through it all, Flyers' Laviolette stuck to his plan: By Ray Parrillo, Inquirer Staff Writer

Boiled down to its essence, the question Peter Laviolette delivered to the Flyers when he succeeded John Stevens as coach on Dec. 4 was posed like this: Would you rather work hard with the puck or work hard without it?
Laperriere: A 'heart and soul guy': By Rick O'Brien, Inquirer Staff Writer

After signing a three-year free-agent deal with the Flyers last July, Ian Laperriere said other NHL clubs were interested in a 14-year veteran with considerable wear and tear on his body. Among them, he said, were Calgary, Phoenix, and Toronto.

Niemi an unlikely hero for Hawks: By Keith Pompey, Inquirer Staff Writer

CHICAGO - Some people know Antti Niemi as the Chicago Blackhawks' 26-year-old rookie. Others, especially back home in Finland, might remember him as the player who drove a Zamboni to make extra money.
Three scorers power Blackhawks: By Keith Pompey, Inquirer Staff Writer

CHICAGO - Two kids and a cast-off are the keystones of the Chicago Blackhawks. At age 22, Jonathan Toews is the youngest captain in the NHL and in the history of the Hawks. His close friend and first-line mate, Patrick Kane, is a mullet-wearing 21-year-old who looks as if he's 16. And one of the team's elder statesmen, Patrick Sharp, 28, once was a seldom-used Flyer.
Blackhawks' Quenneville looks to add name to Chicago coaching pantheon: By Keith Pompey, Inquirer Staff Writer

CHICAGO - Phil Jackson accomplished the feat while coaching the Chicago Bulls. So did former Bears boss Mike Ditka and Blackhawks coach Mike Keenan.

Richards, Pronger go for glory: Phil Sheridan: Mike Richards and Chris Pronger already have gold. Now the Flyers' two very different leaders are playing for silver - the gleaming Stanley Cup.
In painful moments, Flyers bonded: By Bob Ford, Inquirer Columnist

Bob Ford: Pain, injury, and danger lurk on the edges of most sports at the highest levels, but hockey is the only one in which the players routinely seek out the peril. "You're not worried about blocking a shot with your face. You're trying to," said Chris Pronger.
Holmgren opens up about team, season: By Ray Parrillo, Inquirer Staff Writer

Paul Holmgren replaced Bob Clarke as the Flyers' general manager Nov. 11, 2006, after seven seasons as assistant GM with the club. In 2007-08, Holmgren's first full season, the Flyers improved 39 points from the season before, the best single-season improvement in club history. The Flyers advanced to the Eastern Conference finals in '08. In 2008-09, the Flyers lost in the first round of the playoffs.
3-time champ says Flyers can succeed: By Ray Parrillo, Inquirer Staff Writer

The most decorated member of the Flyers' organization has a thick New York accent, plies his trade in relative anonymity, and couldn't be more unassuming.
The grunts chip in: Lesser-known players will continue to have key roles.

By Rick O'Brien, Inquirer Staff Writer

Mike Richards has been Captain Clutch during the playoffs. Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne, already popular with the Flyers faithful, gained further recognition for their post-injury heroics during this magical run. Goalie Michael Leighton has captured fans' hearts as a spectacular fill-in for Brian Boucher.
And They All Came Together: How the 2009-10 Flyers were built: RW Arron Asham: Signed as free agent, July 7, 2008. G Johan Backlund: Signed as free agent, March 26, 2009.
Meet this year's Flyers (Apply playoff beards as needed): Ryan Parent 77 Defenseman, 6-3, 198, age 23, from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Singer Taylor Swift would be his choice for a dinner date.

Blackhawks' Byfuglien a big obstacle: By Keith Pompey, Inquirer Staff Writer

CHICAGO - The best way to describe the Chicago Blackhawks' Dustin Byfuglien is this: He's an enormous - and enormously talented - hockey player.
Eager to play against ex-team?: By Daniel I. Dorfman, For The Inquirer

CHICAGO - There aren't a lot of questions about Chicago's roster heading into the Stanley Cup Finals. One variable is whether Blackhawks left winger Ben Eager will have the chance to play in front of the Flyer fans who once cheered him.
Hawks' rebirth was overdue: By Daniel I. Dorfman, For The Inquirer

Suddenly, Chicago has reasons to care about hockey again. On a recent sun-drenched afternoon in Chicago, advertising salesman Bill Leahy emerged from a store on trendy Michigan Avenue with some Blackhawks hats to give to his friends.
Hossa in his third straight Finals: On the losing side with the Wings and Penguins, he says he's a little bit wiser.

By Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

Most everywhere he goes these days, someone is there to remind Marian Hossa that he's about to play in his third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals while he's still in search of an elusive championship.

Chicago swept the Flyers in 1971: By Gary Miles, Inquirer Staff Writer

The last time the Flyers played Chicago in the NHL playoffs, Bobby Clarke was a 21-year-old budding superstar, 26-year-old goalie Bernie Parent had been traded to the Maple Leafs two months earlier, and the Blackhawks were known as the Black Hawks.
1975 Flyers vs. 2010 Flyers - who would win?: By Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer

The Flyers, fueled by an epic comeback in which they overcame a 3-0 series deficit against the Boston Bruins in the conference semifinals, are trying to win the franchise's third Stanley Cup - and their first since 1975.
Seven Greatest Victories in Flyers History: Ed Snider and the Flyers faithful would love to see this list grow by one. If the Flyers somehow manage to win the holy grail of hockey this year after barely squeaking into the playoffs and with a goaltender they claimed off waivers at midseason, the Cup clincher will have to check in at No. 3.* But until then, here's one person's list:
Best Goalie Performances Ever: Here are some of the top playoff performances by a goalie. Patrick Roy, Montreal Canadiens, 1986 The Canadiens won the Stanley Cup as this rookie sensation racked up a 1.92 goals-against average and won 15 of 20 playoff games. His best game was a 1-0 shutout of the Calgary Flames in Game 4 of the Cup Finals.
Stanley Cup Trivia: Here are some Flyers Stanley Cup stumpers to entertain your family and friends with. The answers are below: 1. Which team beat the Flyers in the 1985 Finals?

The pressure mounts for both teams: By Phil Sheridan, Inquirer Columnist

Phil Sheridan: For the men in the orange sweatshirts, the number is 35. Three-and-a-half decades since the last Stanley Cup championship. For the men in black, the number is even bigger. It has been 49 years since the Black Hawks - two words then, just one now - won their last Cup.
Hot goalie and tough guys give Flyers 'a great shot': In their astonishing run to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Flyers not only have written themselves into the sports record books but they also are making history in Las Vegas.
Eternally devoted to the Spectrum: I miss the Spectrum. Sure, the Wachovia Center is a beautiful place, full of the glam and bling and sparkly things you need these days to keep fans happy.
Bernie Parent on Cup, then and now: From: Gonzalez, John To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie Subject: Orange & Black I'd like to welcome our newest member of Team Talkin': Flyers legend Bernie Parent (www.bernieparent.net).
For players and fans, superstition is the way: By Gary Miles, Inquirer Staff Writer

Webster's defines superstition as "a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance or a false conception of causation."
Roenick has allegiances to both Flyers and Hawks: By Daniel I. Dorfman, For The Inquirer

CHICAGO - Given that he will be analyzing the series for NBC, Jeremy Roenick was obviously interested in the Stanley Cup Finals. But his lineage with both the Flyers and Blackhawks means he will be watching not only with his head but also with his heart.
Pep rally outside Wachovia Center: Compiled By The Inquirer Staff

Need to get out and enjoy some fresh air? The Flyers are inviting fans to a free pep rally outside the Wachovia Center on Friday from noon to 2 p.m.

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