The Hawks advanced to their first Stanley Cup Finals since 1992. Today led by Toews, Seabrook, Niemi and Big Buff the Hawks were able to put away the Sharks in the minimum, 4 games.
It was a nail biter through out. The Sharks took a 2-0 lead about half way through the 2nd period. I would imagine most Hawks fans were on the edges of their seats. But the 2-0 lead did not phase the Hawks. Minute by minute they got more shots on goal and some started to go in. Bolland made it 2-1 and Seabrook tied it up. Big Buff made it 3-2 and Steeger added to the fun with an empty net goal.
Duncan Keith lost 4 teeth in the 2nd period, but very quickly came back on the Ice. Top Defensemen if you ask me.
My 3 Star of the series: DUSTIN BYFUGLIEN: Making the move from Defensemen to Forward has been great for Bigg Buff, he creates madness whenever he is in and is a key to this teams success. Dustin scored a goal in 3 of the 4 wins this series including a huge goal, that would eventually be the winner. The one timer went zipping by Nabokov to give the Hawks a 3-2 lead and lead them to the Stanley Cup Finals. Dustin finished this series with 3 goals and 3 ponints.
My 2 star of the series: JONATHEN TOEWS: What can you say about the captain? This kid has been amazing as he picked up an assist tonight to give him 25 points in the 2010 NHL Playoffs. He also set a franchise record for most games with a point, that streak now stands at 13 games. Toews only had 1 goal in the series but had 4 assists to give him 5 points in 4 games.
My 1 star of the series: ANTII NIEMI: This was not a hard choice at all. There were doubts all season about how the Hawks had 2 goalies or how their starting goalie was a rookie. Quite frankly, Niemi could care less. Niemi took the first 2 games in the Shark Tank which is considered by many to be the hardest place to play in the NHL. Niemi faced 113 shots in the series and only allowed 5 by him in 4 games. His Save % was .958.
Niemi and the Hawks will wither take on the Flyers or Canadians in the STANLEY CUP FINAL!
ONE GOAL
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