Looking at the Cup, Back and Forward

The bookwork for Game 1 is below, as is "Coach's Corner" from the CBC for Game 1.

But before that, a few thoughts culled from the notebook of a man who had a few snacks, beverages and angry moments during Game 1. (I have the notes and stains to prove it.)

Did you see what you wanted in Game 1? Either my standars are way too high or my compass is pointing south when I should be heading north. Patrick Kane's game left me as cold as the adult beverages I was consuming in the first period.

A few good chances lost in what appeared to me as uninspired or confused play. I was looking for leadership and determined rushes, taking the play to the Flyers. Did not see that. Again, maybe I'm wrong, or maybe I was as confused as Mike Emrick, who kept saying Kane (a minus-3) when he meant Marian Hossa. (I wasn't confused about the two players; good glasses and an HD set helped me note the difference.)

I projected Kane as my game-breaker. If he doesn't change his ways, I'm going to have to downgrade my projection.



No projection change neccessary for Flyers defensman Chris Pronger, who did just about everything to thwart the line of Kane, Dustin Byfuglien and Jonathan Toews. Later, the Blackhawks recalibrated the lines, moving Hossa up to the big line and putting Kane with Patrick Sharp and Troy Brouwer.

On the NHL Network's "On the Fly," Pronger was his amusing and feisty self during the off-day interview session. When a reporter offered a murky question about the style of play the Flyers needed to play, Pronger came back with a polite, playful shove.

"What do you want me to say?" he said. "There are two parts to your queston." The reporter offered a clarification about being agressive versus being disciplined, and another offered some help. Pronger, satisified that he had not surrendered any information until he had played out this particular shift well, gave a clear response and managed to wink and tell the reporter "good question."



It was a good one. The Flyers were pulled out of their game, Pronger said, and that, more than anything else, meant that when it turned into a shooting gallery out there, there was little they could do but try to catch up or stay even.

He said it was just one game and that there was no need to get caught up in doomsday thoughts. That's what playing, winning and losing in Stanley Cup finals will do for you.

That little playful bit has me ready for tonight, when the teams resume the fight at 8 Eastern on NBC, CBC and RDS.

Enough for now. Like I promised, here's the usual Spreadsheet bookwork for Saturday's game and a moment with Don Cherry.

STANLEY CUP FINALS
Game 1
Best of 7
At Chicago 6, Philadelphia 5
(Chicago leads, 1-0)
Recap is here.
Three stars by Puck Daddy.