Round 2 Schedule | Playoffs Main Page | Round 2 Western Conference
VS
GAME RECAPS
FLYERS WIN
VS
GAME RECAPS
PENGUINS WIN
ROUND
2
MONTREAL CANADIENS (1)
VS PHILADELPHIA FLYERS (6)
Montreal vs. Philadelphia
Starts Thursday, April 24
Montreal:
At times, it looked like Carey Price (2.09GAA; .925SV%) was going to come undone in round one against Boston, and it also looked like he was ready to live up to the hype that he was the next Ken Dryden or Patrick Roy. It's great to see the Habs fend off a formidable challenge like the one posed by the Bruins, because most often, Price looks like the real deal. He'll get another chance to prove it against the Flyers.
The brothers Kostitsyn, Sergei and Andrei, managed three goals apiece in round one. Alex Kovalev was cool at times; at others, very hot, scoring the game winner in overtime of game two.
Brian Smolinski brings grit and four points, including a goal, into round two (he has also scored a playoff goal with six different clubs--tying an NHL record). Tom Kostopoulos provided more proof that the Habs have offensive depth with two goals in round one.
Defensively, the Habs are going to give Philly as much to worry about as did Washington's Mike Green. The Habs have a mobile D with an offensive upside. Mike Komisarek had a game winner in round one. Patrice Brisebois had a game winner, too, and Mark Streit was a force. It is time, however, for Roman Hamrlik (1-2-3) and Andrei Markov (1pt) to raise their games back to their regular season level.
Coach Guy Carbonneau will have to be at his very best to win the chess match against the loaded Flyers. There might be a surprise in store if forward Michael Ryder, who has slumped all year, catches a tread.
Philadelphia:
They brought him in at 8 years, $50Million to produce, especially in the postseason and Daniel Briere has done exactly that. After hearing some boos from typically snarly Philly fans during the regular season, Briere has silenced all critics. With six goals, five assists against Washington, including a huge faceoff win which led to Joffrey Lupul's series-clincher in game seven, Briere could be the best Philly center since Eric Lindros, all apologies to Peter Forsberg.
The thing to like best about the Flyers is the number of contributors on offense. Vaclav Prospal was supposedly sunk without the big names in Tampa. After all, it's Vinny and Marty in Tampa, right? Nope. Prospal, as he did in Tampa and years before, in Anaheim and Philly (in his first Flyer stint) quietly put up good numbers. He's at three goals, six assists.
Joffrey Lupul, who once scored four goals in one playoff game (2006) for the Ducks, has been huge in the physical game and on the scoresheet (series-winning goal). Mike Richards (7pts), Jeff Carter (4) and Scottie Upshall (4) all came through for the Flyer offense against the Caps.
When the Flyers struggled in the first two post-lockout years (especially in 2006-07), defenseman Derian Hatcher was consistently pointed to as a "problem" because "the game had passed him by" or whatever other fallacies the lemmings in the media were hurling his way. It was bull then and it's bull now. Hatcher was tremendous against the Caps, finished +5 and logged 21:38 TOI. So much for his career being over or his being too old and slow.
More good news on the Flyer defense comes from Kimmo Timonen, who finished round one with 14 shots on goal and four assists. Jason Smith provides veteran desperation and smarts.
Notes:
MTL's Carey Price and PHI's Ryan Parent and Steve Downie all played for the 2007 World Jr. Champion Team Canada last spring.
The Canadiens and Flyers have not met in the postseason in 19 years (1989).
The Flyers finished the regular season with 95 points, a 39-point improvement over 2006-07.
The Matchup:
Montreal won all four regular season tilts against Philly. Speedy skating and a mobile defense should give the Canadiens the edge.
PREDICTON:
MONTREAL IN 6
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (2) VS NEW YORK RANGERS (5)
PREVIEW:
Pittsburgh vs NY Rangers
Series starts Friday, April 25
Pittsburgh:
They just keep reminding us of the young Edmonton Oilers of the early
'80s. While Duran Duran and the mullet hairdo have been relegated to the
dustbin of history, the spirit of the Oilers of a quarter century past
is alive and well in the heart of the Sid Crosby Penguins.
While the Ottawa Senators, the club's opponent in the first round, was
doomed from the start, the Penguins dispensed with them in a four-game
sweep. You just can't ask for more.
Sid Crosby, who struggled with injuries this season, came through with
two goals and eight points against the Sens. He's on the biggest media
stage possible, playing against the Rangers, and the league is
salivating at the marketing opportunities. It's a great chance to
showcase what's right with the game, and Crosby is primed to prove
himself a superstar on Broadway. He won't disappoint.
Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was stellar in round one: 1.26GAA; .955SV%.
His game evolves, despite the fact that he could have used more AHL
seasoning. He's taking his game to the next level this postseason.
On defense, Sergei Gonchar was +1, Ryan Whitney +5 and Rob Scuderi +3.
Gonchar logged 25:47 TOI. Hal Gill has had a great many battles against
Jaromir Jagr. A mobile young defense in general.
New York:
Chris Drury, like his counterpart Daniel Briere, is an expatriate
Buffalo Sabre who signed for big bucks ($7.05M per annum) to produce in
the playoffs. With 44 game winning goals and a Stanley Cup with the 2001
Avalanche, Drury offers a tremendous wild card to any club.
In round one, his game winning goal in game five against New Jersey
clinched the series for the Rangers, and Drury finished with two goals
and one assist.
Sean Avery waved his hockey stick at Martin Brodeur and provided a
refreshing sideshow or a depressing embarrassment, depending on who you
talk to and whether they like hockey. Avery's antics are grating, but
he's a lightning rod for attention, which the NHL needs. Oh, did we
mention that Avery tied for the Ranger lead with three goals in round
one? Keep on truckin,' Sean.
Jaromir Jagr, in this postseason and last, looks like the Jagr we know
and love. He's hungry, and again making critics eat their words. 2-6-8
in five games, 20 shots on goal in round one.
On defense, Marc Staal knocked a puck into his own net, then responded
to that brutal moment by scoring the game winner in game four. A rookie
logging 22:45 TOI, he leads an unheralded crew that needs to avoid what
could become a big mistake this series, that is, hooking and holding the
extremely swift Penguins.
Vezina Trophy nominee Henrik Lundqvist was excellent in round one, with
a .917 save percentage and 2.35 GAA. He outdueled Marty Brodeur, and
like Fleury, his young game is progressing nicely.
Notes:
The clubs have not faced each other in the postseason since 1996.
Two Pesky Guys: Sean Avery of the Rangers and Jarkko Ruutu of the
Penguins. Maybe they'll kick the snot out of one another. More likely,
they'll find someone else to do it.
Season series: Rangers, 5-3-0; Pens, 3-3-2.
Oddly, Brendan Shanahan scored only two assists this season against the
Pens.
The Matchup:
Crosby takes New York, and he won't miss this chance to lift his club on
his shoulders. Youthful, exuberant character of a very fine and emerging
team will carry the Penguins. Fleury vs. Lundqvist a showdown with
dramatic potential.
PREDICTION:
PITTSBURGH IN 6