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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, June 5, 2010

Flyers sweep at home to tie series


By DAN GELSTON
Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Philadelphia left wing Scott Hartnell, right, hugs goalie Michael Leighton after beating Chicago, 5-3, last night.

MATT SLOCUM | Associated Press

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PHILADELPHIA — In a series that has felt like a swap meet with the way the Flyers and Blackhawks have traded goals, Philadelphia found itself with some extra room to work with in the third period of Game 4.

Then the Chicago Blackhawks roared back, reminding the Flyers and their nervous fans how tight and fast-paced these Stanley Cup finals have been.

Mike Richards, Matt Carle and Claude Giroux all scored first-period goals and Philadelphia withstood a late surge by Chicago to beat the Blackhawks, 5-3, last night. With two straight home victories by a total of three goals, goalie Michael Leighton and the Flyers have rallied to tie the series at 2.

Game 5 is tomorrow night in Chicago and there's no reason to think it won't be just as intense as the first four.

"We were able to stay calm, but it's a hard way to win it in the end," Flyers forward Simon Gagne said.

Jeff Carter scored an empty-netter in the final seconds to help the Flyers, trying to win their first title since 1975, become the first team this series to win a game by more than one goal.

The home team has won all four games this series. Game 6 will be back in Philadelphia.

Home ice might not matter much if Chicago stars Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane can't get untracked and return to form. Kane had one assist as Chicago's top line continued to flounder.

"It's still 2-2. It sounds like the series is over," Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson said. "It's still 2-2, we still have home advantage, we're still in a great spot. We're just looking forward to the next game."

CHICAGO 1 0 2 — 3

PHILADELPHIA 3 0 2 — 5

First Period—1, Philadelphia, Richards 7, 4:35 (pp). 2, Philadelphia, Carle 1, 14:48. 3, Chicago, Sharp 9 (Keith), 18:32. 4, Philadelphia, Giroux 10 (Timonen, Hartnell), 19:23.

Third Period—5, Philadelphia, Leino 7 (Briere, van Riemsdyk), 6:43. 6, Chicago, Bolland 7 (Keith, Kane), 12:01 (pp). 7, Chicago, Campbell 1 (Ladd, Keith), 15:50. 8, Philadelphia, Carter 5, 19:35 (en).

Shots on Goal—Chicago 11-13-10—34. Philadelphia 8-10-13—31. Power-play opportunities—Chicago 1 of 3; Philadelphia 1 of 6. Goalies—Chicago, Niemi 14-6-0 (30 shots-26 saves). Philadelphia, Leighton 8-2-0 (34-31).

A—20,304 (19,537). T—2:47.

STANLEY CUP FINALS

All Times Hawai'i; x-if necessary

Chicago 2, Philadelphia 2

May 29: Chicago 6, Philadelphia 5

May 31: Chicago 2, Philadelphia 1

June 2: Philadelphia 4, Chicago 3, OT

Yesterday: Philadelphia 5, Chicago 3

Tomorrow: Philadelphia at Chicago, 2 p.m.

June 9: Chicago at Philadelphia, 2 p.m.

x-June 11: Philadelphia at Chicago, 2 p.m.