Nieme lifts Blackhawks to 2-0 edge in Stanley Cup Finals
It’s safe to say that Antti Niemi’s jitters are behind him.
After struggling in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals to the tune of five goals allowed, the Chicago Blackhawks goalie surrendered just one while making 32 saves in a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 2 to give his team a commanding 2-0 series lead. The Blackhawks are now just two wins away from ending the NHL’s longest championship drought.
In a defensive battle that was a stark contrast to the 6-5 shootout in the Finals opener, Niemi was the difference. He made 14 saves in the final period alone as Chicago thwarted a Philadelphia rally.
He was given the lead by teammates Martin Hossa and Ben Eager, who scored 28 seconds apart in the second period to give the Blackhawks a 2-0 advantage that they would never relinquish.
Simon Gagne cut the lead in half early in the third period with a power play goal, but the Flyers couldn’t get the equalizer. As a result, they now face the daunting task of doing something few teams ever have: Since the NHL went to best-of-seven in the finals in 1939, teams winning both Games 1 and 2 have won the Stanley Cup 41 of 45 times.
