Chicago, IL (Sports Network) – Tomas Kopecky supplied the game-winning goal 8:25 into the third period, as the Chicago Blackhawks defeated Philadelphia, 6-5, in a wild Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals from a raucous United Center.
Troy Brouwer registered two goals and one assist for the Blackhawks, who took out the top-seeded San Jose Sharks in four games in the Western Conference finals.
Dave Bolland and Kris Versteeg joined Kopecky with a goal and one helper for Chicago, while rookie Antti Niemi made 27 saves but clearly struggled at times with puck control.
Danny Briere had a goal and three assists for Philadelphia, which dispatched Montreal in five games to claim the East title. Scott Hartnell finished with a goal and two assists.
Flyers goaltender Michael Leighton was pulled in the second period after allowing five goals on 20 shots. Brian Boucher made 11 saves the rest of the way, but allowed the decisive tally in his first action since injuring both knees in Game 5 of the semifinals against Boston on May 10.