2005 Lewis Cup Finals

The Milwaukee Choppers charged into the Lewis Cup Finals having lost only two games the entire playoffs. Brad McNair was on fire as he led the team in scoring while Matt Darwin was also playing the best hockey of his career in net. Meanwhile the big, hard-hitting Bulldogs had proven to be one of the toughest teams to play against throughout the post-season.

Game one in Boston got off to a quick start with each team scoring in the first two minutes. Both goaltenders played a strong game until Boston exploded for three goals in the third period. Brendan Marlo, Isaac Hart, and Chris Woods were the goal scorers, and Matt Darwin was uncharacteristically pulled after Boston’s fourth goal. The Bulldogs had stunned the Choppers, handing them their first loss since the first round. Milwaukee now trailed a series for the first time in the 2005 playoffs, but would bounce back in game two. Matt Darwin was back in net and was spectacular, stopping 39 shots for a slim 2-1 victory as the teams traveled to Milwaukee tied 1-1.

In Milwaukee for game three, the Bulldogs knew they needed a win on the road after surrendering game two. Isaac Hart opened the scoring but then took a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct just four minutes later when he pried Henrik Akerman’s helmet off and threw it. The Choppers took advantage, scoring on the powerplay to tie the game. Boston would lose another lead later in the game, and Milwaukee ultimately won the game 4-2. The Bulldogs hoped to be more disciplined in game four. Isaac Hart once again made an impact for his team, but this time a positive one. Hart fought Adam Wyrzykowski early in the game and his victory gave the Bulldogs much-needed momentum. Boston earned a 2-0 lead shortly after the fight, on goals from Marlo and Matt Pope. Viktor Holmqvist did his best to hold onto the lead but the Choppers once again stormed back. Brendan Bittner and Thomas Suchy each scored early in the third to tie the game, which would eventually go to overtime. Overtime did not last long, as Bittner scored again, giving the Choppers the win and an opportunity to take the cup in Boston.

The Bulldogs once again made a valiant effort in game five, tying the game after going down early. But it would not be enough. JP Laporte and Brad McNair each scored in the third period and Boston simply could not solve Darwin again. Back in Milwaukee, fans who had packed the DreamWare Center eagerly counted down the seconds. The buzzer went and the Choppers mobbed Matt Darwin. It was Milwaukee’s first title since 1989, and one of the most dominant playoff performances of all time, as the Choppers had claimed the cup with only three playoff losses.

The victory was especially sweet for playoff and league MVP Brad McNair, who had finally experienced a career year after five long years in New Orleans. “This is really incredible” said McNair. “I think this is one of the greatest teams of all time and it’s just awesome to be a part of it.”