Game 7: Buffalo - Philadelphia & Chicago - Vancouver

Buffalo @ Philadelphia – Expect Game 7 of the Sabres – Flyers series to be close. Every game except for game 3 (4-2 Flyers) has been decided by a single goal with games 5 & 6 reaching overtime. Flyers’ captain Mike Richards will not sit out Game 7 despite the fact that he shoved Buffalo’s Tim Connolly head-first into the board in Game 6.

Another good sign for the Flyers is the return of Chris Pronger who came back in game 6 and registered an assist.

Chicago @ Vancouver – Just a week ago, the Blackhawks’ season was over. The defending Stanley Cup champions had lost the first three games of their first round series against the Vancouver Canucks. Only four teams in NHL history had ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a Stanley Cup Playoff series. Somehow, the Blackhawks are in a position to become the fifth.

Roberto Luongo will be back in net tonight after Cory Schneider had his life destroyed in his surprised game 6 start.

The circumstances are unparalleled. The defending Stanely Cup champions charged into the postseason as an 8-seed and lost the first three games of the series. This comeback would be up there with the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs who won the Stanley Cup after losing the first three games to the Detroit Red Wings.

[Thanks to Geeezus and Souvenir City for the constant NHL tips, history lessons and all-around orientation. Images via Getty]