NHL: week in review

Players of the week Claude Giroux scored two goals in Game 5 to help Philadelphia beat Montreal 4-2 and eliminate the Canadiens in five games. Antti Niemi, the Blackhawks goaltender, stopped 44 of 45 shots as Chicago beat San Jose 2-1 in Game 1 - and then stymied the Sharks again in Game 3, blocking 43 of 45 shots in a 3-2 victory. Michael Leighton pulled off a netminding feat that Bernie Parent, the Flyers legend, never achieved when he earned three shutouts in one series as the Flyers beat the Canadiens.

Despite being swept by Chicago, Sharks winger Patrick Marleau scored five goals in the four losses. Not bad considering the rest of the Sharks scored just twice. Loser of the week Canadiens rookie PK Subban, who played just two regular season games, became a fans' favourite when he stepped into the breach in the wake of myriad blueline injuries. Subban was sent back to the American Hockey League after the Habs were booted, rejoining the Hamilton Bulldogs for a conference final game seven against the Texas Stars. Hamilton lost 4-2 to be eliminated from the play-offs.

? Game 3 in Philadelphia on Wednesday will be the first Stanley Cup final game played in the city since 1997. ? Chicago are looking to win their first Stanley Cup since 1961. Philadelphia are looking to win their first Stanley Cup since 1975. ? Chicago and Philadelphia have never faced off for the Stanley Cup.