Going into today's final game against the Pens the only thing the Flyers knew was that they were in the playoffs. The didn't know which seed and who they'd see in the 1st round. They still had a lot to play for as did the Pens who were still looking for the Eastern conference crown. I was lucky enough to have a ticket to the game and go down early in anticipation of a heated game just like last week's tilt.
The Wacovia Center was electric. I noticed during warmups, No #87. What was this about? Running scared? Resting for thr playoffs? A big disappointment for hockey fans, but not for the Flyers who were playing without injured Briere and resting Smith. Both teams played close throughout the game. The hitting was not a ferocious as I had hoped, but there was Upshall flying around out there. It wasn't until the end of the 2nd period when the scoreless tie was broken on a goal off a faceoff. The puck caromed off of Fleury and right to Upshall who buried it for his 14th goal. I certainly noticed from my seats that the refs and linesman give the Pens as sorts of leeway. They get the benefit of many calls, both penalties and icings that the Flyers don't seem to get. Is it because the hometown guys are more like the lunchpail gang and the Pens are more refined and like primadonnas? Who knows?
The game stayed 1-0 until the Pens pulled their goalie and Mike Knuble was able to score on an open net to make it 2-0. It had looked like Carter was going to get his 30th, but he totally flubbed the shot. Knuble was able to wrap the puck around and score on his 2nd shot.
Did the Penguins bring their A game? Maybe, maybe not. Did the Flyers play a great defensive game and get outstanding goaltending from Biron when needed? Absolutely.
Flyers end the season in 6th place and will open up the playoffs against the Capitals who are surging. The Flyers won the season series 2-1-1 and I heard that the Flyers are already favored, but I worry about this matchup. Ovechkin is a monster, but they have a bunch of other players stepping up now on offense. Their defense is mobile and plays with a mean streak. Erskin is going to be a problem for the Briere line. Cristobal Huet has solidified the goaltending position and has supplanted Kolzig as the number 1 goalie. In the end I think that if the Flyers can match the Caps enthusiasm and hitting, then they will win in 6. If they don't the Caps in 5.
The Flyers also handed out their awards today. Mike Richards won the Bobby Clarke trophy and Gene Hart Memorial award ; Kimmo Timonen won the Barry Ashbee award; Riley Cote and Braydon Coburn shared the Pelle Lindbergh trophy for most improved players; Marty Biron won both the Toyota Cup and Class Guy awards.
The playoffs are here. Time for some bubble hockey, foosball, or air hockey tournaments.
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