April 6, 2008 Flyers V Penguins

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.

April 4, Flyers V Devils

THE FLYERS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS



After tonight's 3-0 shutout of the Devils and the Hurricanes loss to the Panthers in regulation time, the Flyers have officially made the playoffs.

In as strong an effort all year, the Flyers showed that they deserve to be one of the top 8 teams in the Eastern conference. They pounded the Devils for the 1st 2 periods to the point where the Devils were making defensive zone errors. They played an "in your face" style all night. Going into the 2rd period, however, the Flyers held a 1-0 lead. Midway through the period they exploded for 2 goals while skating 4 on 4. This was enough to make the Wacovia Center rock in a sea of orange and black.

Goals tonight were scored by Umberger, Upshall, and Lupul. Biron played well in the shutout, but really wasn't tested too much. He had to make 22 saves. It was nice seeing the Devils have to pull Brodeur. Quite honestly it was more a move to rest him for the game against the Rangers on Sunday more than about this game against the Flyers.

Great team effort and a well deserved win.
Briere was kept out of the game tonight which makes me think his knee injury is more serious than was first thought. Considering the team has officially made the playoff, I would be shocked to see him suit up against the Pens on Sunday.

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April 3, 2008 Flyers V Penguins

I took a day to write this post because I wasn't quite sure how to approach its writing. By now we all know that the Flyers lost the game 4-2. It should not come as a surprise as the Pens have been unbeatable at home recently. How they lost the game, however, is debatable. Was it poor play? Poor goaltending? Poor special teams? Poor officiating? A league's obvious protection of certain players? Great goaltending and play against their opponent? All of the above are true.

Above all what concerns me is that the Flyers were able to beat the Pens handily 4 games in a row earlier in the season by using an abusing style that was relentless. Mike Richards was obsessive in his annoyance of Crosby. The last three games against the Pens (all losses) have seen this style disappear altogether. This method of play has not been played in more than a month. For the Flyers to be successful for the remainder of the games, they must return to this way of play.

With three games to go the Flyers need 4 points to ensure themselves a playoff spot. With last night's loss that number still remains 4 points, but now that number must be accomplished in 2 games against arch rival Devils and Penguins.

By the way, Washington wins tonight against the Lightning to take a one point lead over the Flyers for the 8th spot. Washington has 92 points with one game to go whereas the Flyers have 91 with 2 to go. Lets go Flyers.

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