The Morning Skate: 6/20/13

Heck of a game last night. Game four produced 11 goals, and another thrilling overtime victory. In the end the Blackhawks pulled out a win, in Boston nonetheless, and tied the series at two games each.

Jun 19, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman

(middle) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Boston Bruins during the overtime period in game four of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

In all honesty, I was starting to fear that the Bruins were going to take over the series and win games four and five to become Stanley Cup Champions. For some reason I really want this series to go seven games. Maybe it’s because of the shortened season and I am not ready for hockey to end, or maybe I just want to see a hard fought series go down to the wire. Whatever it is, I think a lot of people are feeling the same way.

Jun 19, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center

(19) scores a goal past Boston Bruins goalie

(40) during the second period in game four of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

It is hard to say who has the momentum in this series, I thought the Bruins would have a ton of momentum going into the game last night. So, as much as you might want to say that the Hawks have the momentum going back home, that could very well change once the puck is dropped. I suppose you could say that about any game, but this is the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where momentum could win a game or even the series.

The series shifts back to Chicago, Saturday night, 8:00 PM. The Blackhawks will look for home ice advantage and momentum (maybe) to take the lead in the series in a pivotal game five. While the Bruins on the other hand look to gain back some momentum, and if they can win in Chicago again, they could potentially win the Cup at home, in Boston come game six. Here is the series recap from NHL.com.

Flying Through Fansided:

Jan 12, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller (30) keeps an eye on the puck as Sabres left wing Thomas Vanek (26) defends against St. Louis Blues right wing Ryan Reaves (75) during the third period at the Scottrade Center. The Blues defeated the Sabres 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

• Blackhawkup.com has more on the Hawks huge victory in OT!
• BroadStreetBuzz.com reports that the Flyers will buyout Danny Briere.
• SabreNoise.com has come to the conclusion that Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller must go.

Charging Through The Headlines:

• CBC Sports reports that Alain Vigneault signed a 5 year contract with the Rangers.
• Miikka Kiprusoff may not be sticking around wit the Flames. NHL.com reports he may be on the verge of retirement.
• NHL GM’s met yesterday, see what they discussed at NHL.com.