The Blackhawks took another step toward bringing the Stanley Cup back to Chicago with a big win in Game 2 on Monday night. The Flyers can see their chance at the Cup slipping away, and Game 3 is basically a must-win for them unless they think they can come back from yet another 0-3 hole.

The series started with a high-scoring shootout in Game 1, which Chicago won 6-5. Game 2 was a completely different affair as both sides stepped up defensively and got better goaltending in a close 2-1 Chicago victory.

Chicago picked up the win in Game 2 despite another no-show on the scoresheet from leading scorers Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Marian Hossa scored his first goal since May 3, and Ben Eager netted his first playoff goal - which was also the game-winner. Toews and Kane were both held pointless for the second straight game, and no one likely would have believed you if you'd have said Chicago would be up 2-0 without a single point from either of their young snipers.

The real difference-maker for the Blackhawks in Game 2 was goalie Antti Niemi. He had a rough night in Chicago's Game 1 victory, allowing five goals on 32 shots. Niemi bounced back nicely in Game 2 with a solid 32-save performance, including making 15 big saves in the third period when Chicago was outshot 15-4.

The Flyers’ offensive machine was stifled in Game 2 with their lone goal coming from Simon Gagne. Michael Leighton was between the pipes again and stopped 24 of the 26 shots Chicago fired at him. Unfortunately, that was one save too few to get the Flyers a win and even up the series.

Before the puck dropped on Game 2 the Blackhawks were a -200 favorite to take the series. You can be certain those odds will change with Chicago holding a 2-0 series lead. The Flyers are also looking at different series odds after heading into Game 2 as a +170 underdog.

Philly will be favored at home in Game 3, and judging by their record at the Wachovia Center the Flyers could bounce back with a win on Wednesday night. Philadelphia has won five in a row at home and nine of their last 10 there including the regular season. During their five-game winning streak Philly has outscored their opponents 20-7.

Looking ahead in the series, Game 4 will be played in Philadelphia on Friday night, while the series shift backs to Chicago for Game 5 (if necessary) on Sunday.