After earning a playoff spot by the slimmest of margins, the Philadelphia Flyers will get a chance to redeem what has been a tough and largely disappointing season. The playoffs are different animal than the regular season, and the Flyers will need to play at the same level they displayed in the regular season finale as well stretch drive games against Chicago and Detroit.

The Flyers won five of six regular season games with the New Jersey Devils during the regular season. Considering how badly the Flyers have generally struggled against New Jersey over the last 15 years, that was heartening to see. Nevertheless, these results have little or no bearing on a playoff matchup. (Today's Daily Drop at Versus.com takes an in-depth look at why regular season outcomes are poor predictors of playoff matchups).

In Game one of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, I think there's a little more pressure on New Jersey than on the Flyers. Philly's goal is to come home with at least a split of the first two games, and even a two-two split of the first four games wouldn't be a bad scenario for the Flyers. That said, every game is crucial. It's especially important for Brian Boucher to show right off the bat that he has what it takes to backstop the club to playoff victory.

STARTING LINEUP (Subject to change)

Gagne - Richards - Carcillo
Hartnell - Carter - Briere
JVR - Giroux - Asham
Powe - Betts - Laperriere

Carle - Pronger
Timonen - Coburn
Krajicek - Parent

Boucher
[Backlund/Duchesne]


Scratches:
Leino
Cote
Bartulis
Duchesne/Backlund

Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment

» Quick Hits: Phantoms, Gendron, OHL Playoffs

» Quick Hits: U18s, CHL, Phantoms, TIFH

» Quick Hits: Phantoms-Hershey, CHL Prospects Update

» Quick Hits: Michkov, Phantoms-Hershey Game 1, Snider Hockey, TIFH

» Quick Hits: Flyers Daily, CHL Playoffs, TIFH