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Meltzer's Musings: The Waiting Game

April 24, 2012, 7:09 AM ET [519 Comments]
Bill Meltzer
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • RSSArchiveCONTACT
I am glad the Flyers are not playing tonight. If they were, it would be Game 7 in Pittsburgh. Today became gleefully idle -- and temporarily beneficial to people's collective blood pressure -- as a result of the team's magnificent performance on Sunday afternoon.

The extra time off is also beneficial to the banged-up Flyers roster. Injured players get more time to recuperate before the next series. The return of a semi-full defense corps inches closer assuming Nicklas Grossmann progresses from his concussion and Andrej Meszaros (who is still a couple weeks away) remains on track.

The only downside to finishing Pittsburgh off in Game 6 is that the Flyers are waiting on every other Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series to finish (the Western Semis are now set). There are eight potential Conference Semifinal scenarios under which the Flyers could play ANY of the six other teams remaining in the ECQF.

If the Rangers, Bruins and Panthers win their first-round series, Philly plays the Rangers.
If the Rangers, Bruins and Devils win, Philly plays the Bruins.
If the Rangers, Capitals and Panthers win, Philly plays Florida.
If the Rangers, Capitals and Devils win, Philly plays New Jersey.
If the Senators, Bruins and Panthers win, Philly plays Florida.
If the Senators, Capitals and Panthers win, Philly plays Washington.
If the Senators, Capitals and Devils win, Philly plays Ottawa.
If the Senators, Bruins and Devils win, Philly plays New Jersey.

Despite the Flyers' 0-6-0 record against the New York Rangers this season, Philly is capable of beating the Blueshirts if they can play ahead in the games. The Rangers are NOT the team against whom to try to play comeback hockey, even if the Flyers did it in two games they ultimately lost in regulation.

Nevertheless, the Rangers are the second-round (or Eastern Conference Final) opponent I fear the most, because they have both the defensive system and goaltending to frustrate the Flyers.

Defending Stanley Cup champion Boston remains extremely dangerous and, of course, swept the Flyers in resounding fashion in last year's playoffs. But the Flyers match up a little better to Boston this year than they did a season ago.

I'm a firm believer in the "be careful what you wish for" philosophy when it comes to the playoffs. Florida, Ottawa, Washington and New Jersey all present their own series of challenges and could beat the Flyers in a seven-game series.

That said, the Flyers' most preferred path at this point would be one where at least one of New York or Boston loses in Game 7 of their series, which would preclude the Flyers from playing the other one until the Conference Final. Last night, the Senators looked to be in good shape to close out their series with the Rangers until a second-period collapse cost them the game and potentially the series.

The Flyers had a total off day yesterday. Today, the players will report to their training facility in Voorhees. The problem right now is that the club has no idea what team they'll be preparing to play next and whether Game 1 of the next round will be on Saturday or Sunday. That makes it kind of hard to get into the mindset of putting aside the Penguins series and getting down to business again.

With so many players nursing injuries of varying severity, I would not be a bit surprised if today turns out to be either an optional skate or a brief practice mostly devoted to special teams. The rehabbing players and Black Aces will skate for sure on their own. We'll see about the regulars.

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Please help support former Flyers defenseman Brad Marsh in his 90-day challenge to bicycle across Canada to raise awareness and funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Canada. Anyone who remembers the longtime fan favorite as a player -- or has been lucky enough to meet the human being -- knows that when Marshy does something, he does it with incredible heart and determination. Plain and simple, you will never meet a more decent and caring person than Brad Marsh.

To support the ride Marshy is leading for a worthwhile charity, click here. If you want to learn more about Marsh's personal story and motivation behind the 90-day challenge, see the video below.




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