The Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks met in a key Game Five for both sides on Saturday night to determine who would be one game away from winning the cup, and who would be one game away from elimination going to Chicago for game six.
The Blackhawks ended up taking a lead in the first period on a goal from Patrick Sharp, his fifth of the playoffs, assisted by Jonathan Toews and Teuvo Teravainen. Sharp was the lone goal scorer in the first period, as the Blackhawks defense lead by Duncan Keith still seemed to be shutting down the Lightning's offense. Valterri Filppula however ended up tying the game in the second period, with assists from defenseman Jason Garrison and Anton Stralman to knot the game at one. Anton Vermette would be the hero the game would need tonight though, as he scored what would be the game winning goal to make it 2-1 Chicago near the end of the second period, to give Chicago the 2-1 lead going into the final intermission and at the end of the game.
Chicago now needs just one more game to finish off the Lightning and capture the Stanley Cup. Even better for Chicago, is that it is at home where the Blackhawks seem to draw energy from their home crowd during the playoffs. With players like Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith always at the top of their game in the biggest moments, expect another big game from Chicago to seal the deal in Game Six.
Unless Tampa Bay has something to say about it. The Lightning have been known for their offense this year, but their defenseman have stepped it up as well. Victor Hedman is a potential playoff and Finals MVP candidate behind Duncan Keith, and has been a solid player on the Lightning back end this May through June. With a little help from the offense (in particular Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson) and the Lightning could force a Game Seven home game against the Hawks where they stand a much better chance of pulling off the victory.
The remainder of this series will definitely be a fun one to watch close out, as this has been one of the most entertaining finals in reent history. Maybe the best part is that the Los Angeles Kings aren't up for the championship trophy this season.
The goaltenders as well as the teams key defenseman (Hedman and Keith) will be the keys to each team's success in what's left of this fantastic series, and should determine who wins the Stanley Cup.
