Entering Wednesday night, the Philadelphia Flyers found themselves in a 2-0 series deficit against the Chicago Blackhawks. While the Flyers became the third team in history to come back from a 3-0 series lead just two rounds ago, losing game three would have essentially sealed the Stanley Cup going to Chicago.

With the game all tied up, Patrick Kane scored quickly in the third period, which sent the Philadelphia crowd into panic. However, Ville Leino answered a mere 20 seconds later, sending the crowd into a frenzy. In overtime, it looked as if Simon Gagne won the game for the Flyers. With the red light on and the players celebrating, the puck never crossed the line, and thus the potential game-winning goal was taken away. With the Philadelphia crowd in a nervous state, Claude Giroux sent that nervousness away when he scored in overtime, which gave the Flyers a 4-3 victory.

Now down 2-1 in the series, Philadelphia looks to even it up. If they do not, Chicago is in serious command.

by David at the Sports Fan Blog Network

“It only happens once every four years. It’s the highest stage you can play at so it’s pretty exciting,” Kane said Monday before the U.S. took the ice to practice at Canada Hockey Place.

“It’s kind of cool to have the whole country at your back. Not just a city, but the whole country is rooting for you.”

At 21, Kane is the youngest member of Team USA and also one of its most confident. He knows the U.S. is an underdog in a tournament that features powerhouses Canada, Russia and Sweden, among others.

“I’m sure everyone here doesn’t want us to win but that’s the way it is,” Kane said. “We’re pretty excited about the challenge. We’re not coming here just to win bronze or silver. I can honestly say everyone in there wants to win gold.”

Click here to read the full article – By Chicago Tribune

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The Hawks will have a news conference on Thursday to announce the signings of the trio of young stars, who were set to become unrestricted free agents after the season.

The Tribune first reported on Nov. 17 that Kane, Toews and Keith all would sign extensions at the same time, establishing a core group of players to solidify the franchise’s future. After two weeks of tweaking and salary-cap manipulations, Hawks general manager Stan Bowman completed identical five-year deals for forwards Kane and Toews worth a reported $31.5 million each, while defenseman Keith inked a 13-year, $72 million contract.

It was reported widely the announcement of the deals had been delayed because the Hawks didn’t have tagging room, meaning the new salaries would put the team over next season’s salary cap, a violation of the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement. Whether that was the case or if Bowman created room to maneuver under the cap could be cleared up Thursday.

Click here to read the full article – By Chicago Tribune

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Kane, who was shifted to the left side to make room for Marian Hossa on a line with center Jonathan Toews three games ago, was back on the right side during practice Monday. Kane was moved to a line with winger Dustin Byfuglien and center Kris Versteeg. Meanwhile, Patrick Sharp joined Toews and Hossa, and the Hawks will start that way when they take on the Blue Jackets on Tuesday night at the United Center.

“It was fun while it lasted,” Kane said of the switch. “I don’t know if it’s balancing out the lines or getting me back to my old position … but I’m happy with wherever they put me.”

Kane had two assists in the three games paired with Hossa and Toews, but the Hawks’ offense sputtered, scoring just one goal in the final two games of the trip, both losses.

“You can kind of sense it coming,” said Kane, who leads the Hawks in scoring with nine goals and 16 assists. “Something was going to change. It’s a pretty dynamic line now with Sharp, Toews and Hossa.”

Click here to read the full article – By Chicago Tribune

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