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.
Showing posts with label pittsburgh penguins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pittsburgh penguins. Show all posts
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Game 4: Al Davis Has Some Advice For The Flyers
Just win baby.
It's 3-0, and what do they have to lose? The Flyers need to try something different to try and finally come out on top against Pittsburgh. They've won four in a row in the playoffs before, and even though it's a tough test, it can be done.
Martin Biron needs to start playing better. Whatever he did against Montreal needs to be picked up again, and it needs to happen immediately? Can it happen? It's obviously tough to just flip on a switch, but it only takes one game to get hot.
They need to score more goals. 2, 2 and 1 doesn't cut it against Tampa or LA, and it definitely won't fly against a team like the Penguins. Quality chances need to be generated, and the Flyers need to capitalize.
They've done everything wrong this series, and now is as good a time as any to pick things up. Is Pittsburgh this awesome? We'll find out against Detroit.
It's 3-0, and what do they have to lose? The Flyers need to try something different to try and finally come out on top against Pittsburgh. They've won four in a row in the playoffs before, and even though it's a tough test, it can be done.
Martin Biron needs to start playing better. Whatever he did against Montreal needs to be picked up again, and it needs to happen immediately? Can it happen? It's obviously tough to just flip on a switch, but it only takes one game to get hot.
They need to score more goals. 2, 2 and 1 doesn't cut it against Tampa or LA, and it definitely won't fly against a team like the Penguins. Quality chances need to be generated, and the Flyers need to capitalize.
They've done everything wrong this series, and now is as good a time as any to pick things up. Is Pittsburgh this awesome? We'll find out against Detroit.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Eastern Finals Game 2: Flyers at Penguins (0-1)
Martin Biron v. Marc-Andre Fleury
The heavily-favored Penguins took game one by a score of 4-2, and now it's up to the Flyers to respond in game two like the previous two series against Washington and Montreal. This series is not unwinnable. The Penguins didn't prove to clearly be a superior, dominant team Friday night. For the most part, the Flyers can score with them step for step, and they just need to prove it. It starts tonight at 7:30.
Martin Biron has to be better in net tonight. As I said yesterday, the guys in front of him didn't play well, but he needs to step up his game as well.
The turnovers and sloppy play has to be cut down for the Flyers to even the series. Poor passes and decisions cost the Flyers twice, and it's tough to pull off an upset without playing smart hockey. Biron misplayed the puck behind his net which led to Pittsburgh's second goal, and careless passing on the PP led to their 4th goal and Malkin's second of the night. The Penguins will take advantage of every mistake possible. Guys like Malkin and Hossa are great coming back in their own end and then taking off the other way. Pittsburgh gets no easy chances.
Crosby and Malkin are tough enough for most teams, but they seem to raise their level of play against the Flyers. In 20 career games against the Flyers, he has 16 goals and 21 assists, which is almost a ridiculous two points a game. If all 213 of his career games were against the Flyers with these averages, he would have 170 goals (compared to the 99 he really has,) and 223 assists (compared to the 195 he really has) for a total of 393 points, 99 more than his real total. Malkin is more of the same. In 15 career games against the Flyers, he has 10 goals and 14 assists. These are two out of this world players that somehow raise their performance. That is very difficult to stop, especially without Kimmo Timonen.
Bill Meltzer will have his preview up later.
The heavily-favored Penguins took game one by a score of 4-2, and now it's up to the Flyers to respond in game two like the previous two series against Washington and Montreal. This series is not unwinnable. The Penguins didn't prove to clearly be a superior, dominant team Friday night. For the most part, the Flyers can score with them step for step, and they just need to prove it. It starts tonight at 7:30.
Martin Biron has to be better in net tonight. As I said yesterday, the guys in front of him didn't play well, but he needs to step up his game as well.
The turnovers and sloppy play has to be cut down for the Flyers to even the series. Poor passes and decisions cost the Flyers twice, and it's tough to pull off an upset without playing smart hockey. Biron misplayed the puck behind his net which led to Pittsburgh's second goal, and careless passing on the PP led to their 4th goal and Malkin's second of the night. The Penguins will take advantage of every mistake possible. Guys like Malkin and Hossa are great coming back in their own end and then taking off the other way. Pittsburgh gets no easy chances.
Crosby and Malkin are tough enough for most teams, but they seem to raise their level of play against the Flyers. In 20 career games against the Flyers, he has 16 goals and 21 assists, which is almost a ridiculous two points a game. If all 213 of his career games were against the Flyers with these averages, he would have 170 goals (compared to the 99 he really has,) and 223 assists (compared to the 195 he really has) for a total of 393 points, 99 more than his real total. Malkin is more of the same. In 15 career games against the Flyers, he has 10 goals and 14 assists. These are two out of this world players that somehow raise their performance. That is very difficult to stop, especially without Kimmo Timonen.
Bill Meltzer will have his preview up later.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Make It Splitsburgh On Sunday
The Flyers lost game one for the third straight series, after Pittsburgh had a three goal first period and shut things down for the remaining two. Despite the 4-2 final score, the Flyers weren't outplayed that badly. There are some things to clean up, but this series is not over.
The Flyers outshot the Penguins, so the offensive opportunities were obviously there. They only scored two goals, so you have to give credit to Marc Andre Fleury for being solid in net. For the most part, they moved the puck well on the PP, and it didn't seem as if they missed Timonen on that unit at all. Randy Jones played well.
However, there were a lot of mistakes that need to be corrected, or their stars are going to continue to kill the Flyers all series. Turnovers and sloppy play gave Pittsburgh many opportunities, and at times, the Flyers looked more like last year's disaster of a team than this year's conference finalist. To pull off upsets, underdogs cannot give the favorite chances. That's what they did, and Pittsburgh capitalized.
Biron wasn't his best, but again, Philadelphia made too many mistakes in front of him. Surprisingly, Jaroslav Modry wasn't visible for most of the night. If the Flyers are smarter with the puck and clear the zone with less difficulty, it's going to be harder for the Penguins to score. As the title says, win game two and they're in great shape.
The Flyers outshot the Penguins, so the offensive opportunities were obviously there. They only scored two goals, so you have to give credit to Marc Andre Fleury for being solid in net. For the most part, they moved the puck well on the PP, and it didn't seem as if they missed Timonen on that unit at all. Randy Jones played well.
However, there were a lot of mistakes that need to be corrected, or their stars are going to continue to kill the Flyers all series. Turnovers and sloppy play gave Pittsburgh many opportunities, and at times, the Flyers looked more like last year's disaster of a team than this year's conference finalist. To pull off upsets, underdogs cannot give the favorite chances. That's what they did, and Pittsburgh capitalized.
Biron wasn't his best, but again, Philadelphia made too many mistakes in front of him. Surprisingly, Jaroslav Modry wasn't visible for most of the night. If the Flyers are smarter with the puck and clear the zone with less difficulty, it's going to be harder for the Penguins to score. As the title says, win game two and they're in great shape.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Eastern Finals Game 1: Flyers at Penguins (0-0)
Martin Biron v. Marc-Andrey Fleury
Somehow, the Flyers are here. Despite the 10 game losing streak, several key injuries and a couple tough opponents, the Flyers find themselves back in the conference finals for the first time since the lockout. Against them tonight is a team that may not be the #1 seed like Tampa was, but this year's Penguins might be better than that Lightning team that topped the Flyers in a great seven game series.
Martin Biron may have played great against Montreal, but he's actually statistically the worst goalie remaining in the postseason. Go figure. I don't think Fleury has really been tested, and it'll be interesting to see how he holds up against a team that can really score.
The Kimmo Timonen injury is the one thing that could not happen if the Flyers wanted to have success. I wasn't optimistic from the end of the Montreal series, but this is killer. He's the Flyers' best player. If you lose a Briere or Richards, they have the scoring depth to cover for a little bit. Timonen does everything on the blue line. He's a key part of the PP, and he's great at going out there and shutting down the opponent's top line. He was going to be instrumental in handling guys like Crosby, Malkin and Hossa, and now Jaroslav Modry will have to be much better than he has been.
What kind of style do the Flyers need to play to win? Should they get in a track meet and really outscore them, or should they slow things down and focus on not letting Pittsburgh score? It's tough to say because the Penguins have shown the ability to win both kinds of games. The Flyers should lean towards the side of putting on a lot of offensive pressure. Fleury hasn't had to face a team that can score like the Flyers, and he's still a pretty inexperienced player. Rattling him might be their only chance to win.
As usual, here is Bill Meltzer. Let's go Flyers.
Somehow, the Flyers are here. Despite the 10 game losing streak, several key injuries and a couple tough opponents, the Flyers find themselves back in the conference finals for the first time since the lockout. Against them tonight is a team that may not be the #1 seed like Tampa was, but this year's Penguins might be better than that Lightning team that topped the Flyers in a great seven game series.
Martin Biron may have played great against Montreal, but he's actually statistically the worst goalie remaining in the postseason. Go figure. I don't think Fleury has really been tested, and it'll be interesting to see how he holds up against a team that can really score.
The Kimmo Timonen injury is the one thing that could not happen if the Flyers wanted to have success. I wasn't optimistic from the end of the Montreal series, but this is killer. He's the Flyers' best player. If you lose a Briere or Richards, they have the scoring depth to cover for a little bit. Timonen does everything on the blue line. He's a key part of the PP, and he's great at going out there and shutting down the opponent's top line. He was going to be instrumental in handling guys like Crosby, Malkin and Hossa, and now Jaroslav Modry will have to be much better than he has been.
What kind of style do the Flyers need to play to win? Should they get in a track meet and really outscore them, or should they slow things down and focus on not letting Pittsburgh score? It's tough to say because the Penguins have shown the ability to win both kinds of games. The Flyers should lean towards the side of putting on a lot of offensive pressure. Fleury hasn't had to face a team that can score like the Flyers, and he's still a pretty inexperienced player. Rattling him might be their only chance to win.
As usual, here is Bill Meltzer. Let's go Flyers.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Eastern Conference Playoff Preview
The NHL playoffs begin tomorrow, which means it's time for a preview of what's to come. I can't guarantee any of my predictions will be accurate, and it's more likely that I get more wrong than right.
#8 Boston Bruins v. #1 Montreal Canadiens
MON 3-2 BOS
MON 6-1 BOS
MON 2-1 BOS
MON 7-4 BOS
MON 4-2 BOS
MON 5-2 BOS
MON 8-2 BOS
MON 3-2 BOS
41-29-12, 94 points:Record:47-25-10, 104 points
4-2-4:Last 10:8-1-1
2.59:GFA:3.20
2.70:GAA:2.70
17.6%, 16th:PP:24.1%, 1st
78.6%, 28th:PK:82.5%, 15th
How can Boston win this series? They need to stop doing what caused them to lose every game in the season series. Judging by how dominant Montreal was, that probably won't be very easy. Patrice Bergeron will probably give them a little bit of a lift, but they're just not a very good team.
How can Montreal win this series? They need to deal with their injuries and not lose focus. They've had a couple players go down recently, but they still have pretty good depth. Their PP has been great all season, and they shouldn't have any problems scoring goals on Boston. Carey Price has been hot, and this is a good opportunity for him to get his feet wet in postseason play. Montreal will take this one in 5.
#7 Ottawa Senators v. #2 Pittsburgh Penguins
PIT 6-5 OTT
OTT 4-1 PIT
OTT 4-3 PIT
OTT 5-4 PIT
43-31-8, 94 points:Record:47-27-8, 102 points
3-6-1:Last 10:6-3-1
3.18:GFA: 3.01
3.01:GAA: 2.63
18.3%, 12th:PP:20.4%, 4th
81%, T22nd:PK:81.0%, T22nd
How can Ottawa win this series? Whoever is in net, probably Martin Gerber, needs to play the best hockey of his life. I know it's easy to say a goalie needs to play well for a team to win in the playoffs, but this is especially true for Ottawa. They haven't gotten consistent play from their goalies all season, whether it's Gerber or Ray Emery. Early in the season, their great scorers such as Alfredsson, who's injured, Spezza and Heatley could cover it up. However, as the season wore on, defense and goaltending just became a big issue. Pittsburgh has great goal scoring ability, and Gerber will have to steal some games for the Senators to have a chance.
How can Pittsburgh win this series? Execute on special teams. If their penalty killing improves, they'll gain a huge advantage on Ottawa. Their power play is great; they have a lot of players with tremendous skill, and they can really take advantage of Ottawa's weak penalty kill. Pittsburgh needs to just relax and play with energy. They're more talented than Ottawa, and the Sens are just in complete turmoil with injuries and this huge collapse they've had. I'll say Pittsburgh takes it in 5.
#5 New York Rangers v. #4 New Jersey Devils
NYR 2-0 NJD
NYR 2-1 NJD
NYR 4-2 NJD
NYR 1-0 NJD
NYR 3-1 NJD
NYR 2-1 NJD
NYR 3-2 NJD
NJD 3-2 NYR
How can the Rangers win this series? They need to score goals, and it's not going to be easy. They play a defensive, conservative system, even though they have very good scorers such as Jagr, Shanahan and Drury. In fact, only three playoff teams scored fewer goals than them, and the Devils are one of them. If they continue to sit back and just try and keep the Devils from scoring, I don't think they have a shot. If they want to match goalies and defensive systems against the Devils, they're going to lose. You can't beat Martin Brodeur at his own game.
How can the Devils win this series? New Jersey needs to stick to the system and play sound defensively. If they don't put Brodeur in too many bad spots, he'll have no problem carrying them to victory again. He's had success against the Rangers in the playoffs lately, and he can probably do it again. The Rangers don't have much firepower, and the Devils should be able to win 2-1, 1-0 and 3-2 games. Despite the season series, I think the Devils have the advantage and take this one in 6.
42-27-13, 97 points:Record:46-29-7, 99 points
5-1-4:Last 10:4-5-1
2.60:GFA:2.51
2.43:GAA:2.40
16.5%, 22nd:PP:15.6%, 25th
84.6%, 6th:PK:82.8%, 13th
#6 Philadelphia Flyers v. #3 Washington Capitals
PHI 3-2 WSH
WSH 4-3 PHI
PHI 6-4 WSH
WSH 4-3 PHI
42-29-11, 95 points:Record:43-31-8, 94 points
7-2-1:Last 10:9-1-0
3.02:GFA:2.95
2.84:GAA:2.82
21.8%, 2nd:PP:18.8%, T8th
83.2%, 10th:PK:80.5%, 25th
How can the Capitals win this series? If someone besides Alexander Ovechkin scores, the Flyers are in a lot of trouble. Ovechkin buries them in every single meeting, so it's safe to assume he's going to be a pain in the ass to Philadelphia all series. In addition to his contributions, if someone else on the team steps up and plays a great series, it's going to be tough to stop Washington. They can score a lot of goals, and guys like Mike Green can also bring a lot to the table. They have a very good PP, so if they can get opportunities there, the Capitals could run the Flyers out of the building.
How can the Flyers win this series? Stop Alexander Ovechkin. It's stupidly obvious, but as I just mentioned, he kills them. He scores a goal and racks up points every game, and it's almost like he's the only player on the other team. They need to find some way or some matchup to limit his contributions. Lines featuring Hartnell, Richards and Thoresen or Upshall, Carter and Knuble can both play responsible hockey, so one of those lines could be matched up against him. They need to hit him, knock the puck away, take away hot water from the visitor's looker room or something to keep him quiet. I think the Flyers get the upset here in 6 games.
After that, we would have 6 Philadelphia v. 1 Montreal. Montreal will take that easily in 5 games. 2 Pittsburgh will beat 4 New Jersey in 6.
Unfortunately for Flyers fans, the Pittsburgh Penguins will represent the East in the finals. They have stars up front that can pile up goals in bunches and passable defense and goaltending.
#8 Boston Bruins v. #1 Montreal Canadiens
MON 3-2 BOS
MON 6-1 BOS
MON 2-1 BOS
MON 7-4 BOS
MON 4-2 BOS
MON 5-2 BOS
MON 8-2 BOS
MON 3-2 BOS
41-29-12, 94 points:Record:47-25-10, 104 points
4-2-4:Last 10:8-1-1
2.59:GFA:3.20
2.70:GAA:2.70
17.6%, 16th:PP:24.1%, 1st
78.6%, 28th:PK:82.5%, 15th
How can Boston win this series? They need to stop doing what caused them to lose every game in the season series. Judging by how dominant Montreal was, that probably won't be very easy. Patrice Bergeron will probably give them a little bit of a lift, but they're just not a very good team.
How can Montreal win this series? They need to deal with their injuries and not lose focus. They've had a couple players go down recently, but they still have pretty good depth. Their PP has been great all season, and they shouldn't have any problems scoring goals on Boston. Carey Price has been hot, and this is a good opportunity for him to get his feet wet in postseason play. Montreal will take this one in 5.
#7 Ottawa Senators v. #2 Pittsburgh Penguins
PIT 6-5 OTT
OTT 4-1 PIT
OTT 4-3 PIT
OTT 5-4 PIT
43-31-8, 94 points:Record:47-27-8, 102 points
3-6-1:Last 10:6-3-1
3.18:GFA: 3.01
3.01:GAA: 2.63
18.3%, 12th:PP:20.4%, 4th
81%, T22nd:PK:81.0%, T22nd
How can Ottawa win this series? Whoever is in net, probably Martin Gerber, needs to play the best hockey of his life. I know it's easy to say a goalie needs to play well for a team to win in the playoffs, but this is especially true for Ottawa. They haven't gotten consistent play from their goalies all season, whether it's Gerber or Ray Emery. Early in the season, their great scorers such as Alfredsson, who's injured, Spezza and Heatley could cover it up. However, as the season wore on, defense and goaltending just became a big issue. Pittsburgh has great goal scoring ability, and Gerber will have to steal some games for the Senators to have a chance.
How can Pittsburgh win this series? Execute on special teams. If their penalty killing improves, they'll gain a huge advantage on Ottawa. Their power play is great; they have a lot of players with tremendous skill, and they can really take advantage of Ottawa's weak penalty kill. Pittsburgh needs to just relax and play with energy. They're more talented than Ottawa, and the Sens are just in complete turmoil with injuries and this huge collapse they've had. I'll say Pittsburgh takes it in 5.
#5 New York Rangers v. #4 New Jersey Devils
NYR 2-0 NJD
NYR 2-1 NJD
NYR 4-2 NJD
NYR 1-0 NJD
NYR 3-1 NJD
NYR 2-1 NJD
NYR 3-2 NJD
NJD 3-2 NYR
How can the Rangers win this series? They need to score goals, and it's not going to be easy. They play a defensive, conservative system, even though they have very good scorers such as Jagr, Shanahan and Drury. In fact, only three playoff teams scored fewer goals than them, and the Devils are one of them. If they continue to sit back and just try and keep the Devils from scoring, I don't think they have a shot. If they want to match goalies and defensive systems against the Devils, they're going to lose. You can't beat Martin Brodeur at his own game.
How can the Devils win this series? New Jersey needs to stick to the system and play sound defensively. If they don't put Brodeur in too many bad spots, he'll have no problem carrying them to victory again. He's had success against the Rangers in the playoffs lately, and he can probably do it again. The Rangers don't have much firepower, and the Devils should be able to win 2-1, 1-0 and 3-2 games. Despite the season series, I think the Devils have the advantage and take this one in 6.
42-27-13, 97 points:Record:46-29-7, 99 points
5-1-4:Last 10:4-5-1
2.60:GFA:2.51
2.43:GAA:2.40
16.5%, 22nd:PP:15.6%, 25th
84.6%, 6th:PK:82.8%, 13th
#6 Philadelphia Flyers v. #3 Washington Capitals
PHI 3-2 WSH
WSH 4-3 PHI
PHI 6-4 WSH
WSH 4-3 PHI
42-29-11, 95 points:Record:43-31-8, 94 points
7-2-1:Last 10:9-1-0
3.02:GFA:2.95
2.84:GAA:2.82
21.8%, 2nd:PP:18.8%, T8th
83.2%, 10th:PK:80.5%, 25th
How can the Capitals win this series? If someone besides Alexander Ovechkin scores, the Flyers are in a lot of trouble. Ovechkin buries them in every single meeting, so it's safe to assume he's going to be a pain in the ass to Philadelphia all series. In addition to his contributions, if someone else on the team steps up and plays a great series, it's going to be tough to stop Washington. They can score a lot of goals, and guys like Mike Green can also bring a lot to the table. They have a very good PP, so if they can get opportunities there, the Capitals could run the Flyers out of the building.
How can the Flyers win this series? Stop Alexander Ovechkin. It's stupidly obvious, but as I just mentioned, he kills them. He scores a goal and racks up points every game, and it's almost like he's the only player on the other team. They need to find some way or some matchup to limit his contributions. Lines featuring Hartnell, Richards and Thoresen or Upshall, Carter and Knuble can both play responsible hockey, so one of those lines could be matched up against him. They need to hit him, knock the puck away, take away hot water from the visitor's looker room or something to keep him quiet. I think the Flyers get the upset here in 6 games.
After that, we would have 6 Philadelphia v. 1 Montreal. Montreal will take that easily in 5 games. 2 Pittsburgh will beat 4 New Jersey in 6.
Unfortunately for Flyers fans, the Pittsburgh Penguins will represent the East in the finals. They have stars up front that can pile up goals in bunches and passable defense and goaltending.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Flyers and Pens Review
I didn't have a chance to get a preview up for this game, so we'll talk about it after the fact instead.
This was a must win for the Flyers. I know a lot of fans were saying it's enough to make it into the playoffs, but going in as the six seed is a lot better than going in as the 8th.
It's tough to gauge how good the Flyers are going into the playoffs based in this game. Pittsburgh sat Crosby even though they had quite a bit on the line as well. Maybe the full effort wasn't there, but the Flyers got the two points anyway.
Washington presents a tough challenge. They're playing great hockey right now, and it's not necessarily just because they finished with eight games in the cupcake division. They were once in a pretty big hole in the big picture of the Eastern Conference, and they really played well to turn things around and win the division. Alexander Ovechkin has been tough to stop for everyone, but especially the Flyers. He finds ways to score against them every game, and stopping him is obviously going to be priority #1.
This was a must win for the Flyers. I know a lot of fans were saying it's enough to make it into the playoffs, but going in as the six seed is a lot better than going in as the 8th.
It's tough to gauge how good the Flyers are going into the playoffs based in this game. Pittsburgh sat Crosby even though they had quite a bit on the line as well. Maybe the full effort wasn't there, but the Flyers got the two points anyway.
Washington presents a tough challenge. They're playing great hockey right now, and it's not necessarily just because they finished with eight games in the cupcake division. They were once in a pretty big hole in the big picture of the Eastern Conference, and they really played well to turn things around and win the division. Alexander Ovechkin has been tough to stop for everyone, but especially the Flyers. He finds ways to score against them every game, and stopping him is obviously going to be priority #1.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Game 80 and Hell Week Game 6: Flyers at Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers: 40-28-11, 91 points
Pittsburgh Penguins: 46-26-8, 100 points
Martin Biron v. Marc-Andre Fleury
The Flyers will play their final regular season road game tonight, and the stakes have never been higher. With just three games left, (two for Pittsburgh), both teams have a lot on the line. The Penguins are fighting for home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The division isn't quite clinched, but with a win tonight, I think it will be. The Flyers are still fighting to just get in. At 91 points, they're currently in the 8th spot, just one point ahead of Washington, who has played one more game. Despite this, they could still possibly clinch a playoff berth tonight. With a win and an outcome in Tampa that results in no Hurricane points, the Flyers are back in the playoffs.
Martin Biron will start tonight. His rebound control has to be better than it was in the last meeting with Pittsburgh. The Flyers got smoked, and it can't happen again.
As I've mentioned before, the Flyers are not only fighting to make it into the playoffs, but they can also get a pretty good seed as well. The Devils, currently sitting in the four position, have 95 points, 4 more than the Flyers. That might be tough to achieve, but from the Devils down to the Capitals, all of the positions are up for grabs. A win tonight could get them as high as the 5th seed.
R.J. Umberger is expected to make his return. I believe he was injured in the last game of the Penguins, so maybe he can get some revenge by chipping in some points tonight. The whole team needs to get revenge after the previous meeting; the Penguins won 7-2, and they've been almost unbeatable in Pittsburgh. It's going to take a lot tonight, but when the pressure's on, there are a lot of Flyers that step up their games.
Bill Meltzer has scratches. It remains to be seen who will be out of the lineup with Umberger back.
Pittsburgh Penguins: 46-26-8, 100 points
Martin Biron v. Marc-Andre Fleury
The Flyers will play their final regular season road game tonight, and the stakes have never been higher. With just three games left, (two for Pittsburgh), both teams have a lot on the line. The Penguins are fighting for home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The division isn't quite clinched, but with a win tonight, I think it will be. The Flyers are still fighting to just get in. At 91 points, they're currently in the 8th spot, just one point ahead of Washington, who has played one more game. Despite this, they could still possibly clinch a playoff berth tonight. With a win and an outcome in Tampa that results in no Hurricane points, the Flyers are back in the playoffs.
Martin Biron will start tonight. His rebound control has to be better than it was in the last meeting with Pittsburgh. The Flyers got smoked, and it can't happen again.
As I've mentioned before, the Flyers are not only fighting to make it into the playoffs, but they can also get a pretty good seed as well. The Devils, currently sitting in the four position, have 95 points, 4 more than the Flyers. That might be tough to achieve, but from the Devils down to the Capitals, all of the positions are up for grabs. A win tonight could get them as high as the 5th seed.
R.J. Umberger is expected to make his return. I believe he was injured in the last game of the Penguins, so maybe he can get some revenge by chipping in some points tonight. The whole team needs to get revenge after the previous meeting; the Penguins won 7-2, and they've been almost unbeatable in Pittsburgh. It's going to take a lot tonight, but when the pressure's on, there are a lot of Flyers that step up their games.
Bill Meltzer has scratches. It remains to be seen who will be out of the lineup with Umberger back.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Game 72: Flyers at Bruins Commentary
It's an early game, and I didn't have the chance to get a preview up. Let's cover a few things.
Downie is still out of the lineup, and it's disappointing. He adds more than Thoresen does, and after the last couple games, they need the energy and intensity. Modry is in over Kukkonen, obviously.
Hatcher blocked a shot with his ankle early in the game and needed to be helped off the ice. That's a tough loss if he's out of the game again. He's a warrior and a great leader. He might be at the end of the road in his hockey career.
Once again, the Flyers are getting outplayed. Cote fought early to try and light a fire under their asses but it didn't seem to do anything. Boston scored a goal and they just look overmatched right now. Chara's out, and without their toughest player, they should be able to control the physical play, but things aren't working right now. This is as close to a must win as you can get, so it's a shame they're not coming out fired up and ready to play.
I'm not going to be around the next couple days, so no Penguins preview either. I'll just say it's good that Crosby is out because he kills the Flyers. Hossa's going to be back, so it's not like they're short of weapons though.
Downie is still out of the lineup, and it's disappointing. He adds more than Thoresen does, and after the last couple games, they need the energy and intensity. Modry is in over Kukkonen, obviously.
Hatcher blocked a shot with his ankle early in the game and needed to be helped off the ice. That's a tough loss if he's out of the game again. He's a warrior and a great leader. He might be at the end of the road in his hockey career.
Once again, the Flyers are getting outplayed. Cote fought early to try and light a fire under their asses but it didn't seem to do anything. Boston scored a goal and they just look overmatched right now. Chara's out, and without their toughest player, they should be able to control the physical play, but things aren't working right now. This is as close to a must win as you can get, so it's a shame they're not coming out fired up and ready to play.
I'm not going to be around the next couple days, so no Penguins preview either. I'll just say it's good that Crosby is out because he kills the Flyers. Hossa's going to be back, so it's not like they're short of weapons though.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Game 55: Flyers at Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers: 30-19-5, 65 points
Pittsburgh Penguins: 31-19-5, 67 points
Antero Niittymaki v. Ty Conklin
After another shutout at the hands of the league's posterboy, the Flyers return to the ice against rival Pittsburgh. They do so now third in the division, thanks to Pittsburgh's and New Jersey's easy wins yesterday. The Flyers will try to maintain their dominance over Pittsburgh this season. They're 4-0-0 against the cross-state rivals this season, after being swept themselves last season.
Antero Niittymaki is likely to make his first start since Tuesday this afternoon. Biron played pretty well against the Rangers, but it's back to back, and it's not a bad idea to get Niitty some more time. He hasn't faced Pittsburgh this season, but he has not been good against them in his career.
The Penguins have been strong, despite losing Sidney Crosby to an ankle injury. They're 5-2-2 since he went down, and he's starting to work out and skate again. This is bad news for the Atlantic Division. Everyone has stepped up in his absence, particularly Evgeni Malkin. When he gets back, they're adding the most dangerous playmaker in hockey, and they're only going to get better.
The Flyers have some lineup changes of their own to worry about. Braydon Coburn is expected to miss about a month with a serious torn muscle injury. It required immediate surgery, so hopefully everything goes well. Fortunately for the Flyers, Lasse Kukkonen, the best 7th Defenseman in hockey will suit up. He hasn't played in a game for a while, but before he started getting scratched, he was playing well. Like many Flyers fans, I don't know what the coaching staff's problem with him is. Unfortunately, he's not Braydon Coburn. He doesn't have the same skills and offensive ability Coburn has, so that's still a huge hole in the lineup.
After Laraque's hit on Steve Downie into the boards last meeting, there could be some sparks flying today. Unfortunately, with Georges Laraque, you have one of the league's biggest and best enforcers. Riley Cote can't really handle him, so it's going to be hard to find someone to match up with him. I expect a very physical game, and Jim Vandermeer needs to start playing with the edge that got him into the league.
Bill Meltzer has today's scratches:
Braydon Coburn
Scottie Upshall
Rory Fitzpatrick
Mike Rathje
It's really unfortunate that the Flyers can't be completely healthy for one game. You can deal without Scottie Upshall, but Braydon Coburn is a tough loss. Just once, I'd like to see us get a player back from injury without immediately losing another one. It's not going to get any better, with Forsberg's potential return either, which could actually be delayed. Not good.
Pittsburgh Penguins: 31-19-5, 67 points
Antero Niittymaki v. Ty Conklin
After another shutout at the hands of the league's posterboy, the Flyers return to the ice against rival Pittsburgh. They do so now third in the division, thanks to Pittsburgh's and New Jersey's easy wins yesterday. The Flyers will try to maintain their dominance over Pittsburgh this season. They're 4-0-0 against the cross-state rivals this season, after being swept themselves last season.
Antero Niittymaki is likely to make his first start since Tuesday this afternoon. Biron played pretty well against the Rangers, but it's back to back, and it's not a bad idea to get Niitty some more time. He hasn't faced Pittsburgh this season, but he has not been good against them in his career.
The Penguins have been strong, despite losing Sidney Crosby to an ankle injury. They're 5-2-2 since he went down, and he's starting to work out and skate again. This is bad news for the Atlantic Division. Everyone has stepped up in his absence, particularly Evgeni Malkin. When he gets back, they're adding the most dangerous playmaker in hockey, and they're only going to get better.
The Flyers have some lineup changes of their own to worry about. Braydon Coburn is expected to miss about a month with a serious torn muscle injury. It required immediate surgery, so hopefully everything goes well. Fortunately for the Flyers, Lasse Kukkonen, the best 7th Defenseman in hockey will suit up. He hasn't played in a game for a while, but before he started getting scratched, he was playing well. Like many Flyers fans, I don't know what the coaching staff's problem with him is. Unfortunately, he's not Braydon Coburn. He doesn't have the same skills and offensive ability Coburn has, so that's still a huge hole in the lineup.
After Laraque's hit on Steve Downie into the boards last meeting, there could be some sparks flying today. Unfortunately, with Georges Laraque, you have one of the league's biggest and best enforcers. Riley Cote can't really handle him, so it's going to be hard to find someone to match up with him. I expect a very physical game, and Jim Vandermeer needs to start playing with the edge that got him into the league.
Bill Meltzer has today's scratches:
Braydon Coburn
Scottie Upshall
Rory Fitzpatrick
Mike Rathje
It's really unfortunate that the Flyers can't be completely healthy for one game. You can deal without Scottie Upshall, but Braydon Coburn is a tough loss. Just once, I'd like to see us get a player back from injury without immediately losing another one. It's not going to get any better, with Forsberg's potential return either, which could actually be delayed. Not good.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Game 48: Penguins at Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins: 27-17-4, 58 points
Philadelphia Flyers: 26-16-5, 57 points
Ty Conklin v. Martin Biron
In the Flyers' final game before the All-Star break, they'll try and rebound from a humiliating 7-3 loss against New Jersey on Tuesday. There's a lot at stake here; if Pittsburgh wins and New Jersey loses, they'll take over first in the division. If the Flyers win and New Jersey loses, the division is tied. No matter what happens, the Atlantic Division will remain tight throughout the rest of the season.
Martin Biron will be back between the pipes tonight. He gave up two goals in a period and change on Tuesday, and this will be his first start since Saturday. After Niittymaki struggled against the Devils, it's time to get Biron some more action and see if he can regain his early season form.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Penguins can succeed without their superstar Sidney Crosby. Don't get me wrong; they still have a lot of talent besides him, but you never know how much you'll miss a guy until you actually lose him. They're 1-0-1 since he went out with his ankle injury, and scoring hasn't been their problem.
So far this season, the Flyers have dominated the Penguins in three meetings, putting up a 3-0-0 record in those and outscoring the cross-state rival 16-5. This comes after an 06-07 season which saw Pittsburgh complete a rare season sweep of Philadelphia. The next meeting between these teams will be February 10th.
Bill Meltzer provides us with tonight's scratches:
Lasse Kukkonen
Joffrey Lupul
Jesse Boulerice
Rory Fitzpatrick
Boulerice has been on and off the active roster all year, which is why he is still serving his suspension from an incident in the third game of the year.
Philadelphia Flyers: 26-16-5, 57 points
Ty Conklin v. Martin Biron
In the Flyers' final game before the All-Star break, they'll try and rebound from a humiliating 7-3 loss against New Jersey on Tuesday. There's a lot at stake here; if Pittsburgh wins and New Jersey loses, they'll take over first in the division. If the Flyers win and New Jersey loses, the division is tied. No matter what happens, the Atlantic Division will remain tight throughout the rest of the season.
Martin Biron will be back between the pipes tonight. He gave up two goals in a period and change on Tuesday, and this will be his first start since Saturday. After Niittymaki struggled against the Devils, it's time to get Biron some more action and see if he can regain his early season form.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Penguins can succeed without their superstar Sidney Crosby. Don't get me wrong; they still have a lot of talent besides him, but you never know how much you'll miss a guy until you actually lose him. They're 1-0-1 since he went out with his ankle injury, and scoring hasn't been their problem.
So far this season, the Flyers have dominated the Penguins in three meetings, putting up a 3-0-0 record in those and outscoring the cross-state rival 16-5. This comes after an 06-07 season which saw Pittsburgh complete a rare season sweep of Philadelphia. The next meeting between these teams will be February 10th.
Bill Meltzer provides us with tonight's scratches:
Lasse Kukkonen
Joffrey Lupul
Jesse Boulerice
Rory Fitzpatrick
Boulerice has been on and off the active roster all year, which is why he is still serving his suspension from an incident in the third game of the year.
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