The Flyers and Bruins meet for the second time in two years facing off in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They aren't the same team as last year however. Tim Thomas has taken over as number 1 and has forced Tuunka Rask to the pine, the offense was revamped up this offseason adding Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell from the Florida Panthers, the defense stayed the same only losing Dennis Wideman.
This team is still deadly, now equipped with a healthy Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. However Marc Savard is still out after suffering a concussion over a year ago. This team has scorers down their line up including Wheeler, Ryder, and ageless Mark Recchi.
Their stalwart defense is what the Bruins hang their hat on. Anchored by Zdeno Chara, the Boston defense is a wrecking crew. They all work hard and hit hard to protect Timmy Thomas.
The biggest flaw to this team is their consistency. They lack a true top forward and fail to find a group that can get it done when called upon.
Headlines
Brian Boucher will get the start in game one after posting a record of 4-1 in the first round. Bobrovsky will back him up.
Jody Shelley could be back in the line up after suffering from a broken orbital bone in practice two months ago. It will either be Shelley or Rinaldo skating with the 4th line today. But keep in mind the Flyers may dress Syvret and play 7 defensemen.
It now looks like Rinaldo will play 4th line over Shelley. 6 dmen dressed.
Carter and Nodl are still out. Carter's return looks far from near, Nodl's injury seems more severe with every game he misses.
Flyers Lines
Hartnell Briere Leino / Carcillo Richards Versteeg /Jvr Giroux Zherdev / Rinaldo Betts Powe
Timonen Coburn / Carle Meszaros / Pronger O'Donnell
Boucher / Bobrovsky
Game 1 is on NBC at 300 pm.
Thursday
Ryan Miller admits to having a Concussion
Reports broke a few hours ago that Buffalo Sabres goalie had been suffering from a concussion through out the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. Though the injury Miller managed two shutouts and to carry his team to game seven against one of the best offenses in the NHL.
Could this just be an excuse by Miller who virtually called out half of the Flyers team? I wouldn't go that far, Miller played excellent and led a team that otherwise wouldn't have made the playoffs. Remember that Miller did miss a few games down the stretch with what many believed was a collar bone injury. That injury was most likely a concussion.
I took a look back on some key plays to see if there were any concussion like symptoms displayed by Miller. Gotta feeling some of these photos may have been doctored, or else the Flyers really did get away with "Mass Murder".
I took a look back on some key plays to see if there were any concussion like symptoms displayed by Miller. Gotta feeling some of these photos may have been doctored, or else the Flyers really did get away with "Mass Murder".
Worried About the Bruins?
I've been talking to some Flyers fans that seem worried about playing the Bruins. I could see why, they have a Vezina candidate, a division title, and solid defensive depth to compliment their well rounded offense. So how can the Flyers beat them?
The Flyers can beat the Bruins by finding a flaw in their best player, Tim Thomas. Thomas is an all world goalie who seems to get better with age. But the goalie's biggest flaw is his intensity. He can get so into a game that giving up even one goal can throw him off. The Flyers high flying offense should be able to ruffle his feathers.
The black and gold's offense, while extremely deep, lack top stars. Their top point getter in the first round was Patrice Bergeron who has great talent, but isn't a game changer. The top goal scorers were Nathan Horton and Chris Kelly, neither one of them has proved to be consistent. That's the Bruins offense's biggest problem their consistency, and a spot that the Flyers tough defense should be able to bring out the worst in.
The biggest battle will be on special teams. The Flyers powerplay has been rejuvenated with the return of Chris Pronger, the Bruins PK will have to be better than they were against Montreal. On the other hand the Flyers penalty kill will get a break as they face a weak Bruins powerplay, but they may not be worse than Buffalo's.
Begin the hate Boston, see you on Saturday.
The Flyers can beat the Bruins by finding a flaw in their best player, Tim Thomas. Thomas is an all world goalie who seems to get better with age. But the goalie's biggest flaw is his intensity. He can get so into a game that giving up even one goal can throw him off. The Flyers high flying offense should be able to ruffle his feathers.
The black and gold's offense, while extremely deep, lack top stars. Their top point getter in the first round was Patrice Bergeron who has great talent, but isn't a game changer. The top goal scorers were Nathan Horton and Chris Kelly, neither one of them has proved to be consistent. That's the Bruins offense's biggest problem their consistency, and a spot that the Flyers tough defense should be able to bring out the worst in.
The biggest battle will be on special teams. The Flyers powerplay has been rejuvenated with the return of Chris Pronger, the Bruins PK will have to be better than they were against Montreal. On the other hand the Flyers penalty kill will get a break as they face a weak Bruins powerplay, but they may not be worse than Buffalo's.
Begin the hate Boston, see you on Saturday.
Tuesday
Bring on the Penguins! or the Lightning! or the Bruins!
With a 5-2 victory the Flyers have come back and will advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals for the second consecutive year. What a ride it was! The Flyers started 3 different goalies and got shutout twice. But in the end, they won.
Now they await their opponent. They will play either Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, or Boston. If Boston wins, the Flyers will play Boston. If Boston loses, the Flyers will play the winner of the Pens Lightning series. Both game sevens are tomorrow.
Here is how the Flyers have stacked up against their potential opponents this season:
vs PIT 4-1-1
vs BOS 1-3-0
vs TBL 1-3-0
Now they await their opponent. They will play either Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, or Boston. If Boston wins, the Flyers will play Boston. If Boston loses, the Flyers will play the winner of the Pens Lightning series. Both game sevens are tomorrow.
Here is how the Flyers have stacked up against their potential opponents this season:
vs PIT 4-1-1
vs BOS 1-3-0
vs TBL 1-3-0
ECQF Game 7 Notes (Updating until Puck Drop)
Here is the thread leading into the Flyers Sabres meeting in the Well. This one decides it all. Here are the headlines.
11:10 am
Injuries
via @HockeyWitch17: "Hecht, Lalime--out long term. Connolly & Pominville expected to be out tonight. Kaleta, Morrisson & Grier doubtful for game 7 tonight."
Neither, Carter nor Nodl are expected to be in the lineup tonight. Pronger will play. Boynton. Bartulis, Walker, and Shelley have also been ruled out.
Line Ups
The Sabres will fit Roy into their lineup after being without since December. It is odd, however, that Mike Grier and Patrick Kaleta could be out game 7 after missing practice yesterday. They are the Sabres leading hitters this series.
The question for the Flyers is Chris Pronger. If he can play more than 10 minutes expect Danny Syvret to be out of the lineup. The Flyers dressed 7 defenseman last game forcing the Flyers' Dan Carcillo to double shift.
Mike Richards has not and will not receive any league discipline after a questionable hit on Tim Connolly.
Goaltending
Nothing new for the Sabs, Ryan Miller will get the start. He gave up 5 goals on 49 during Sunday's loss. Miller also has 2 shutouts this series.
The Flyers will dress Sergei Bobrovsky who will backup Brian Boucher. The Flyers emergency goalie will be Johan Backlund. Mike Leighton has managed to work his way back to the press box after allowing 3 goals in the first period of game 6.
4:50 pm
Sabres Injury Update
Nothing more announced yet on either sides. However, Patrick Kaleta is unofficially ruled out for tonight's game. The Toronto Sun wrote this:
5:45 pm
New Stripes
The refs for tonight's game will be Dan O'Rourke, Stephen Walkom, Brad Lazarowich, and Brian Murphy per @davegisaac. These are not the same refs from games 1-6. A very smart move by the NHL, putting its' best where it counts most.
Sabres Injuries Confirmation
via @BillHoppeSabres: Ruff offered almost nothing w/injuries-lineup. Kaleta + Grier are out. Leopold will be game-time decision. Didn't skate.
730 pm
Roy and Hecht are in the line up for the Sabres. Only new players for Buffalo meaning Sekera is out.
Flyers Lines
Hartnell Briere Leino / JVR Giroux Zherdev / Carcillo Richards Versteeg / Powe Betts.
Carle Meszaros / Timonen Coburn / O'Donnell Syvret / Pronger.
Boucher / Bobrovsky.
Flyers will dress 7 defensemen and likely roll Danny Carcillo on that 4th line as well.
Game is on CSN Philly, TSN, MSG-B, and VS.. NOW!
11:10 am
Injuries
via @HockeyWitch17: "Hecht, Lalime--out long term. Connolly & Pominville expected to be out tonight. Kaleta, Morrisson & Grier doubtful for game 7 tonight."
Neither, Carter nor Nodl are expected to be in the lineup tonight. Pronger will play. Boynton. Bartulis, Walker, and Shelley have also been ruled out.
Line Ups
The Sabres will fit Roy into their lineup after being without since December. It is odd, however, that Mike Grier and Patrick Kaleta could be out game 7 after missing practice yesterday. They are the Sabres leading hitters this series.
The question for the Flyers is Chris Pronger. If he can play more than 10 minutes expect Danny Syvret to be out of the lineup. The Flyers dressed 7 defenseman last game forcing the Flyers' Dan Carcillo to double shift.
Mike Richards has not and will not receive any league discipline after a questionable hit on Tim Connolly.
Goaltending
Nothing new for the Sabs, Ryan Miller will get the start. He gave up 5 goals on 49 during Sunday's loss. Miller also has 2 shutouts this series.
The Flyers will dress Sergei Bobrovsky who will backup Brian Boucher. The Flyers emergency goalie will be Johan Backlund. Mike Leighton has managed to work his way back to the press box after allowing 3 goals in the first period of game 6.
4:50 pm
Sabres Injury Update
Nothing more announced yet on either sides. However, Patrick Kaleta is unofficially ruled out for tonight's game. The Toronto Sun wrote this:
In preparation for Game 7 of this riveting first-round Eastern Conference showdown between the Sabres and the Philadelphia Flyers, both Roy and Jochen Hecht, who has missed the entire playoffs to date with an upper-body injury, were out on the ice for the morning skate.Full article can here read HERE.
On the other hand, Kaleta and fellow forward Mike Grier, who entered the postseason with a knee ailment, did not skate. Sources say Kaleta did not even make the trip to Philadelphia.
There is a suspicion that Kaleta suffered a broken hand, although the Sabres would not confirm the injury.
5:45 pm
New Stripes
The refs for tonight's game will be Dan O'Rourke, Stephen Walkom, Brad Lazarowich, and Brian Murphy per @davegisaac. These are not the same refs from games 1-6. A very smart move by the NHL, putting its' best where it counts most.
Sabres Injuries Confirmation
via @BillHoppeSabres: Ruff offered almost nothing w/injuries-lineup. Kaleta + Grier are out. Leopold will be game-time decision. Didn't skate.
730 pm
Roy and Hecht are in the line up for the Sabres. Only new players for Buffalo meaning Sekera is out.
Flyers Lines
Hartnell Briere Leino / JVR Giroux Zherdev / Carcillo Richards Versteeg / Powe Betts.
Carle Meszaros / Timonen Coburn / O'Donnell Syvret / Pronger.
Boucher / Bobrovsky.
Flyers will dress 7 defensemen and likely roll Danny Carcillo on that 4th line as well.
Game is on CSN Philly, TSN, MSG-B, and VS.. NOW!
Monday
Monday Headlines: New Look Sabres? Boucher will be Back?
With the series deciding game just over 24 hours away here is the chatter leading into what will be the end of one and the birth of another.
Last night Peter Laviolette decided that Brian Boucher will start game seven in Philadelphia. Boucher has started 3 games this series and has a record of 2-1. Bobrovsky started games 1 & 2, Boucher then started games 3-5, before Michael Leighton took over and started game 6, now Boucher gets the call come Tuesday.
Buffalo Sabres Tim Connolly will not play in game 7 after getting check by Mike Richards in the 2nd period of game 6. Connolly has been a non factor this series, but is a part of the PP and PK.
Mike Richards will not see any type of discipline from the league or the team after hitting Connolly in which the play resulted in a hit.
The Sabres have reached into their pocket and have decided that Derek Roy will be in the lineup come Tuesday. Roy registered 35 points in 35 games this season. He has not played since late December as he has been recovering from hand surgery.
Jochen Hecht was seen skating in practice along with defenseman Andreas Sekera. Hecht is a long time Sabres with experience who has been injured for the duration of the playoffs. He logged 12 goals and 29 points in 67 games this season.
The Flyers line of Hartnell - Briere - Leino register 3 goals in Sunday's game 6. With each of them scoring a goal, including the tying and winning goals. This line was undoubtedly the Flyers top line last postseason and it's about time some group finally stepped up.
Chris Pronger played just over 4 minutes in game 6, only seeing time on the powerplay. Oddly enough, Pronger did not play in the potentially season ending overtime. Andrej Meszaros logged over 31 minutes. The Flyers went to running 5 defenseman for the final 2 periods of game 5 and 6 with Pronger and Syvret riding the pine.
For up to the minute news goto Ice on Broad Street's Twitter account. @Iceonbroadst
Last night Peter Laviolette decided that Brian Boucher will start game seven in Philadelphia. Boucher has started 3 games this series and has a record of 2-1. Bobrovsky started games 1 & 2, Boucher then started games 3-5, before Michael Leighton took over and started game 6, now Boucher gets the call come Tuesday.
Buffalo Sabres Tim Connolly will not play in game 7 after getting check by Mike Richards in the 2nd period of game 6. Connolly has been a non factor this series, but is a part of the PP and PK.
Mike Richards will not see any type of discipline from the league or the team after hitting Connolly in which the play resulted in a hit.
The Sabres have reached into their pocket and have decided that Derek Roy will be in the lineup come Tuesday. Roy registered 35 points in 35 games this season. He has not played since late December as he has been recovering from hand surgery.
Jochen Hecht was seen skating in practice along with defenseman Andreas Sekera. Hecht is a long time Sabres with experience who has been injured for the duration of the playoffs. He logged 12 goals and 29 points in 67 games this season.
The Flyers line of Hartnell - Briere - Leino register 3 goals in Sunday's game 6. With each of them scoring a goal, including the tying and winning goals. This line was undoubtedly the Flyers top line last postseason and it's about time some group finally stepped up.
Chris Pronger played just over 4 minutes in game 6, only seeing time on the powerplay. Oddly enough, Pronger did not play in the potentially season ending overtime. Andrej Meszaros logged over 31 minutes. The Flyers went to running 5 defenseman for the final 2 periods of game 5 and 6 with Pronger and Syvret riding the pine.
For up to the minute news goto Ice on Broad Street's Twitter account. @Iceonbroadst
Sunday
ECQF Game 6: Welcome Back Chris
Chris Pronger is currently skating in warm ups in preparation for the Flyers must win game 6. The young, inexperienced Sabres are faced with one of the hardest things to do in all of sports, close a team out in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Mentioned in the title, Chris Pronger is set to return after missing over a month with a broken hand. Pronger is 4th overall on the active players postseason points list. If Pronger is in the lineup Danny Syvret will see the press box. Both are currently skating in warm ups.
Ben Holmstrom will be in the lineup as Zac Rinaldo and Andreas Nodl will be out. Nodl is still nursing his upper body injury.
Michael Leighton will get the nod as the Flyers have their back up against the wall. Leighton was 3-1 when playing in an elimination game. Leight played just under three periods on Friday allowing only one goal.
The game is on NBC NOW!
Mentioned in the title, Chris Pronger is set to return after missing over a month with a broken hand. Pronger is 4th overall on the active players postseason points list. If Pronger is in the lineup Danny Syvret will see the press box. Both are currently skating in warm ups.
Ben Holmstrom will be in the lineup as Zac Rinaldo and Andreas Nodl will be out. Nodl is still nursing his upper body injury.
Michael Leighton will get the nod as the Flyers have their back up against the wall. Leighton was 3-1 when playing in an elimination game. Leight played just under three periods on Friday allowing only one goal.
The game is on NBC NOW!
Friday
Report: Pronger and Carter out for ECQF Series
This news is popping up everywhere, just about an hour it was reported that Chris Pronger and Jeff Carter will miss the remainder of the series due to injury. Chris Pronger has been rehabbing his broken hand and Jeff Carter is nursing a supposedly sprained knee.
The injury of Andreas Nodl's injury may have just been ramped up. With Carter out the Flyers needed another forward, Nodl would be the one inserted, however, due to his upper body injury the Flyers have called upon Ben Holmstrom. This means Nodl's injury is more serious than once thought, we'll see if he is available for game 6.
With Pronger out Danny Syvret will keep his spot in the line up. Syvret has played well and is earning powerplay and penalty kill minutes.
Nik Zherdev looks to be a staple after scoring the game winning goal in game 2. Zherdev has been playing aside Versteeg and Richards.
The injury of Andreas Nodl's injury may have just been ramped up. With Carter out the Flyers needed another forward, Nodl would be the one inserted, however, due to his upper body injury the Flyers have called upon Ben Holmstrom. This means Nodl's injury is more serious than once thought, we'll see if he is available for game 6.
With Pronger out Danny Syvret will keep his spot in the line up. Syvret has played well and is earning powerplay and penalty kill minutes.
Nik Zherdev looks to be a staple after scoring the game winning goal in game 2. Zherdev has been playing aside Versteeg and Richards.
ECQF Game 5 Updates: Holmstrom in, Carter and Pronger out
The Flyers will host the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth game of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. The series is up for grabs with only three games left and each team winning 2 of the previous four games.
Wednesday
ECQF Game 4 Notes
Headlines
Zherdev in the lineup as expected after scoring the game winning goal on Monday night.
Boucher will get the start for the second straight game after picking up the past two wins. Leighton will back him up. Bobrovsky will be in the press box for the second straight game.
Zherdev in the lineup as expected after scoring the game winning goal on Monday night.
Boucher will get the start for the second straight game after picking up the past two wins. Leighton will back him up. Bobrovsky will be in the press box for the second straight game.
Post to Post - 4/20/2011
In Post to Post I will look around the NHL and analyze the go-ons. Like Fresh Ice Cuts, a section dedicated to the Flyers latest, I will have short sections for each headline. So lets go Post to Post and around the NHL.
Does Briere hate Miller?
Due to the recent chirping between the two former team mates, I have decided to look into some of Miller's short comings and the results I found were stunning. Briere was not only at, but cheering against Miller at all times. Photos below, quotes first.
Monday
ECQF Game 3 Notes
Headlines
Buffalo's Jordan Leopold is said to be in the lineup tonight after recovering from a broken hand. Leopold is the Sabres powerplay quarterback.
Andreas Nodl is out of the lineup tonight after suffering from a cut and bruised right cheek after taking a shot during a scrum during Saturday's contest in Philadelphia.
Buffalo's Jordan Leopold is said to be in the lineup tonight after recovering from a broken hand. Leopold is the Sabres powerplay quarterback.
Andreas Nodl is out of the lineup tonight after suffering from a cut and bruised right cheek after taking a shot during a scrum during Saturday's contest in Philadelphia.
Sunday
ECQF Game 2: Broken Out and Broken Down
The Flyers finally found the offense that they have been in search of for months now. An immediate outburst against Ryan Miller send a volt through this bench and led the Flyers to their first win of the second half of the 2011 season. However this was almost washed out by their major flaw, the off and on goaltending.
Friday
Late Season Troubles lead to Post Season Tune Up
Last night the Flyers completely dominated the Sabres in all aspects of the game. However an early 3rd period goal by Patrick Kaleta gave the Sabres all they needed to jump out to a 1-0 lead in the series.
Wednesday
East Playoff Matchups and Predictions
This is my analysis and breakout, if they aren't the same thing, of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I used the info on the post before where I ranked teams in different categories.
Monday
Playoff Primer: Campbell on RJ
If this doesn't make hate buffalo, i don't know what will. Maybe you could try watching that match-maker show from a few years ago, but that won't fire you up. It'll probably just make you angry it made it onto tv. Either way, LETS GO FLYERS!
Sunday
Playoff Primer: The Road Starts
The NHL's latest video. Half of it is about the Hawks, would the Stars have been the main characters if they had made it? Maybe Flyers?
Playoffs start on Wednesday, get ready world.
Playoffs start on Wednesday, get ready world.
Between a rock and an Octopus
The former champions are forty minutes away from deciding their season. With 81 games played they sit just two point ahead of the Dallas Stars, who play later today against Minnesota. A overtime loss or a win would secure the Blackhawks in the postseason, while a loss combined with a Stars win would send them to the greens.
Playoff Primer: The Journey
A video that premiered during the pregame introduction of the Home Opener this season. This video is also located on the sidebar. One Goal.
Saturday
It's a Conspiracy, the Isles will Lay Down tonight
Tonight the Flyers face off against the New York Islanders in Philadelphia. The Flyers are currently tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins, with each team having one game left in their 2010-2011 campaigns. the Flyers have to match what the Pens do tonight points-wise to clinch the division. So, a win clinch regardless of the Pens outcome, an OTL would clinch only if the Pens do not pick up 2 points, and a loss would only clinch if the Pens also lose.
Now to the conspiracy. The Isles and Pens have had some of the most gruesome and emotional games this season, go back and watch the Dipietro vs Johnson fight if you need proof. So now with the Isles well out of the playoff race they could screw the Penguins in the best way they can. Rolling over and letting the Flyers grab two points would ultimately kill Pittsburgh's chance of winning the division.
Now to the conspiracy. The Isles and Pens have had some of the most gruesome and emotional games this season, go back and watch the Dipietro vs Johnson fight if you need proof. So now with the Isles well out of the playoff race they could screw the Penguins in the best way they can. Rolling over and letting the Flyers grab two points would ultimately kill Pittsburgh's chance of winning the division.
Friday
Holmgren rings the Bell, it's Fight for First
With just two games remaining in the Flyers season the team finds themselves starring at a second place finish to the regular season. Washington has capitalized on the Flyers bad play of late and has just about seized back-to-back regular season conference titles. A win against the Panthers on Saturday and the Capitals will find themselves looking at home ice advantage through out the first three rounds of the playoffs.
The Flyers will have to win tonight against Buffalo and tomorrow versus the New York
Islanders and pray for a win by the Florida Panthers to regain control of the Eastern Conference.
The Flyers will have to win tonight against Buffalo and tomorrow versus the New York
Islanders and pray for a win by the Florida Panthers to regain control of the Eastern Conference.
Tuesday
Fresh Ice Cuts: Playoff Races, Flyers Slump, New Design, Michael Leighton
Welcome to Ice on Broad Street's Fresh Ice Cuts, this is a segment where I can regroup all of my thoughts on Flyers hockey as well as everything NHL.
Sunday
Who needs this more? Who's on the hot seat?
With Alex Ovechkin scoring his 11th game winning goal of the year last night, the Capitals overtook the Flyers throne and now sit atop the East. The Flyers now sit one points behind the Caps with a game in hand of their southern rivals. Now the focus is on the New York Rangers as the Flyers spend their 79th game of the season seeking revenge.
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