There was a big game in Chicago yesterday afternoon.
In a rematch of the Stanley cup Finals the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 4-1.
The Flyers jumped out to a 3-0 lead thanks to goals by Jeff Carter & Nikolai Zherdev. Chicago finally got on the board thanks to a penalty shot by Marian Hossa.
It wasn't enough as Scott Hartnell scored an empty netter to seal the victory for Philadelphia.
What does this mean in the scheme of things?
For the Flyers it is a small measure of revenge after falling two games short of winning the Stanley Cup last season. Yes it doesn't make up for what happened last season but it is two more points which currently gives them the best record in the NHL.
As for Chicago it is clear there has been a Stanley Cup hangover this season. The Blackhawks still have enough talent to make the post-season. Do they have enough to make another cup run? That depends on how & if the role players step up & fill the void of the players that left the team this past summer.
Yesterday's game looked like two teams passing each other. One coming down from the top while the other is still trying to get there.
Here is this week's Power Poll.
1. Philadelphia 32 12 5 69 points
Well they won Game seven against Chicago.
2. Vancouver 29 10 9 67 points
Ryan Kesler named Alternate captain for All-Star Game.
3. Tampa Bay 30 15 5 65 points
Steven Stamkos (5 goals) named 2nd star of the week.
4. Pittsburgh 30 15 4 64 points
Sidney Crosby to miss All-Star Game due to concussion.
5. Detroit 29 13 6 64 points
Nicklas Lidstrom well deserving of being named an All-Star Captain.
6. Dallas 29 14 5 63 points
Western Conference showdown tonight in Vancouver.
7. Washington 27 14 8 62 points
Ovechkin records 1st hat trick of the season in win over Toronto.
8. Boston 27 14 7 61 points
Tim Thomas (3-0 last week) named 1st star of the week.
9. Nashville 27 15 6 60 points
Predators are 10-2 in their last 12 games.
10. N.Y. Rangers 28 19 3 59 points
Rangers need a powerful shot from the blueline.
11. Montreal 27 17 5 59 points
Looking to even up season series with Philadelphia tomorrow night.
12. Anaheim 27 20 4 58 points
Ducks a 4-3 winner in Saku Koivu's return to Montreal on Saturday.
13. Phoenix 24 16 9 57 points
Ed Jovanovski looking to return to lineup Tuesday night after missing the last five games.
14. Chicago 26 19 4 56 points
Stanley Cup hangover still lingering with the Hawks.
15. San Jose 25 19 5 55 points
Sharks have won four in a row.
16. Atlanta 23 19 9 55 points
0-6 vs. Tampa this season could keep them from winning the Southeast Division.
17. Colorado 24 18 6 54 points
Peter Forsberg is skating with the Avs & teasing a comeback.
18. Minnesota 24 19 5 53 points
Finding a way to hang around the final playoff spot.
19. Carolina 23 19 6 52 points
Eric Staal named other All-Star Captain. Having the game in Raleigh helps his cause.
20. Los Angeles 25 22 1 51 points
GM Dean Lombardi says coach Terry Murray's job is safe despite Kings underachieving.
21. Columbus 23 20 5 51 points
Jackets are 3-0-2 in their last five games.
22. St. Louis 22 18 7 51 points
Blues are one of many Western Conference teams fighting for a playoff spot.
23. Calgary 22 21 6 50 points
Speaking of the playoff race look who is only five points out.
24. Buffalo 22 21 5 49 points
Power Play is getting better. (11/40 27.5 % in last 12 games.)
25. Florida 21 21 5 47 points
Bryan McCabe out 4-6 weeks with a jaw fracture.
26. Toronto 19 23 5 43 points
Leafs are consistently inconsistent.
27. Ottawa 17 25 7 41 points
Senators are 1-8-3 in their last twelve games.
28. N.Y. Islanders 15 25 7 37 points
Claimed Evgeni Nabokov off waivers. As I write this he has no plans to report to the team.
29. Edmonton 14 25 8 36 points
Looking like another last place finish.
30. New Jersey 16 29 3 35 points
A little too late but the Devils are 6-0-1 in their last seven games.
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