Pronger’s Puck Stealing Gives Flyers Strange Advantage In Game 3

You have to love Chris Pronger. An agitator by nature, a champion by virtue and a complete jerk by reputation, the 6-foot-6 blue liner of the Philadelphia Flyers has been “caught” stealing game pucks during the Stanley Cup Finals.

As far as scandals go, this ranks somewhere between the Denver Nuggets filling Kenyon Martin’s car with popcorn and major league pitchers wearing too many necklaces.

Still, Pronger and the Flyers are hoping his antics will help turn the tides as this series swings back to the city of brotherly love.

On the grand scale of things, Pronger’s chicanery doesn’t mean much but it’s certainly grabbed the attention of the Chicago Blackhawks. Pronger managed just one shot in the 2-1 loss during Game 2, though he also added 10 penalty minutes.

If the big man for Philadelphia wants to collect game pucks in what will likely one of his final appearances in the Stanley Cup, go ahead.

If the Chicago Blackhawks want to get distracted by it, then they’re idiots.

The bigger story on Chicago’s end is that Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, who have managed zero points combined during the 8-goal scoring fiesta of Stanley Cup Finals betting. Those that took Toews as a favorite in Conn Smythe betting are probably a bit nervous.

The scariest part for Philadelphia in Game 3 is digging a three-game deficit in the series. An even bigger source of nausea is the idea that they’re already down two-games despite Kane and Toews’ being pointless. What happens when they get the puck rolling for them personally?

Chicago Blackhawks (52-22-8) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (41-35-6)

Wednesday, June 2nd — Wachovia Center — 8:00pm EST

NHL Betting Lines:

CHI – Antti Niemi +1.5 -265 +105 O 5.5 -115

PHI – Michael Leighton -1.5 +225 -125 U 5.5 -105

Philadelphia can’t be concerned about the two losses thus far. Aside from a gaffe by Michael Leighton on Ben Eager’s goal, the net minder has been steady in net. He faced 26 shots in total in Game 2 and looked much sharper than he did in the series opener. He will be fine on home ice.

As much credit as I can lump in Antti Niemi’s corner, the one thing I don’t like about the way he backstops the puck is that he focuses solely on ice hugging shots. The Flyers have to start lifting the puck off the ground because Niemi has been vulnerable in the high corners.

Stabbing at loose pucks in front of the net has proven ineffective against him because he’s too good at sprawling.

Look for the Flyers to start ripping the rubber on Niemi in Game 3 and bolster their 5-0 SU streak at home. They’ve already outshot Philadelphia in two games with 65 shots compared to Chicago’s 58. Bet on those pucks to start filling up in Chicago’s net.

Whether Pronger decides to take those home with him is really up to him. Are you going to try and stop him?

Didn’t think so. Neither will Chicago.

Furious Stanley Cup Free Pick – Flyers ML Only (UNDER)