After playing pretty well for most of the game, the Flyers won game four to extend their season by at least one more game. They built a nice lead very early in the game and managed to hang on the rest of the way. It doesn't increase my confidence that much though. The Penguins came to play like the series was already won and played very undisciplined. In front of the home crowd, they should be more focused and look like they did in games 1-3.
Martin Biron played better, which is a good sign for the Flyers. If he continues to improve, the series could become more interesting.
What could increase my confidence are a pair of defensemen possibly coming back to the lineup. As of this moment, to me, it seems like Kimmo Timonen is more likely to play today. The doctors told him his blood clot can't get any worse if he plays, so he'll probably be ready to go. I don't know how it can't get worse, but I trust the professional's opinion. Braydon Coburn could also return, but I'm less optimistic about that. He says it's pretty likely, but from what I've read, he's feeling pressure to come back and might not actually be ready. Even if they're not full strength, it'll be a huge boost for the Flyers, not only on the ice but for morale.
Expect this game to be very physical, especially early on. There were fights and scrums in the final few minutes of game four, including an incident involving Sidney Crosby. Ryan Malone may feel the need for revenge after his humiliating loss to Derian Hatcher, and the Penguins might want to try and protect their captain, since he certainly can't do it himself.
Bill Meltzer has his preview up.
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