Bryzgalov will be the guy. If the Flyers win the cup he will be praised and if they get eliminated he will be questioned, imo.
- stveshdy

That's what normally comes with playing that position.

3 weeks is official timetable.
- bmeltzer

ahah. thanks for the info.

I want either the Rangers or Bruins to lose game 7, (preferably both) not because I fear playing them, or I don't think the Flyers can beat them, but should they both advance and the Flyers have to play both of them just to get to the SCF that is a lot to ask.
- PLindbergh31

No road is going to be easy. Honestly Boston and the Rangers are playing no better than the opposition. If both teams where that dominate they wouldnt be going seven games.

That's what normally comes with playing that position.
- MJL

I agree. The Flyers still could get eliminated and the goalie play fantastic. Then people would need to scale it back a notch on Bryz.

I want either the Rangers or Bruins to lose game 7, (preferably both) not because I fear playing them, or I don't think the Flyers can beat them, but should they both advance and the Flyers have to play both of them just to get to the SCF that is a lot to ask.
- PLindbergh31

it's a ton to ask - from the emotional level alone it would take. add the physical toll, and they could have zero left for a final round.

No road is going to be easy. Honestly Boston and the Rangers are playing no better than the opposition. If both teams where that dominate they wouldnt be going seven games.
- stveshdy

We'll see what happens. I want them both out, 1. Because I despise both, and 2. I think it gives the Flyers an "easier" road.

Indeed. Flyers wont be averaging 5 goals a game in any series going forward. Going to need the D to tighten up significantly, and for Bryzgalov to not allow any soft goals.
- PLindbergh31

I can see averaging 3-4 goals a game against Ottawa, Washington, or Florida.

they should worry the flyers, but as you said, no use in worrying before it's even possible. part of me would quietly celebrate over a rangers melt down in game 7 at the gahden with fonzi foaming at the mouth.
- hammarby31

I would love to see the Rangers lose and thats because I hate them. However if they win its not the end of the playoffs.

it's a ton to ask - from the emotional level alone it would take. add the physical toll, and they could have zero left for a final round.
- hammarby31

Exactly. Go Sens & Caps.

Besides, if the Flyers have to play Ottawa, it will be a cakewalk, Anderson stinks! That's what everyone has told me for 3 years.

That's what normally comes with playing that position.
- MJL

hextall wasn't questioned in '87. in fact, he was given a big shiny trophy named after some guy conn something or other. i guess that's not normal.

No road is going to be easy. Honestly Boston and the Rangers are playing no better than the opposition. If both teams where that dominate they wouldnt be going seven games.
- stveshdy

Boston had to win 3 game 7's enroute to the Cup last Season. Incuding Montreal in the first round. Teams are more evenly matched then is thought. Whoever the Flyers play, is going to be a tough Series.

it's a ton to ask - from the emotional level alone it would take. add the physical toll, and they could have zero left for a final round.
- hammarby31

The Flyers will have had the most rest out of any team in the East. Playoff hockey takes it toll on everyone no matter the opponent.

Exactly. Go Sens & Caps.

Besides, if the Flyers have to play Ottawa, it will be a cakewalk, Anderson stinks! That's what everyone has told me for 3 years.
- PLindbergh31

he does.

Boston had to win 3 game 7's enroute to the Cup last Season. Incuding Montreal in the first round. Teams are more evenly matched then is thought. Whoever the Flyers play, is going to be a tough Series.
- MJL

I agree. You just dont know. There is no team thats that dominate.

What if Severus Snape goes to every game and puts a confundus charm on Bryzgalov?

What if when I step outside today I get struck by lightning?

Are you scared? Adopt a dog.
- RooNosHockey

Snape is dead.

I would worry about the "rehabilitated" Draco screwing the Flyers. He reeks of Ranger fandom.

I predict.........Caps 4 - Rangers 3

hextall wasn't questioned in '87. in fact, he was given a big shiny trophy named after some guy conn something or other. i guess that's not normal.
- hammarby31

That a player on the losing team gets the Conn Smythe? No, it's not the norm.

hextall wasn't questioned in '87. in fact, he was given a big shiny trophy named after some guy conn something or other. i guess that's not normal.
- hammarby31

I believe the only goaltender other than Hextall to win the Conn Smythe who didn't win the Cup was JSG. Unless I'm forgetting someone else.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: A Day at the Office
- bmeltzer

Bill, you are seriously the (frank)ing man

There isn't anything there about being afraid. It's about respect for an opponent. And an objective analysis of the situation. Your free to disagree and state why.
- MJL

Cause what your saying can be said for any team, any goaltender, at any time. It's a blanket statement just to argue a point. Someone says they would rather face Ottawa because the Goaltending and defense aren't as good. You say, "oh but they are and give some fact about 5 on 5." But what your not saying is, if Ottawa is so tough, who is the better match up like the original guy was saying in the first place.

So I ask. Instead of telling me in what ways we dont match up good against teams, tell me who we do match up well against and why?

The Flyers will have had the most rest out of any team in the East. Playoff hockey takes it tolls on everyone no matter the opponent.
- stveshdy

boston has to be fried already, even if they get through tonight. 3 7-game series last year, and another one already in the first round this year.

the flyers really helped themselves by dispatching pittsburgh in 6 and are the benefactor of these other series being dragged out.

Indeed. Flyers wont be averaging 5 goals a game in any series going forward. Going to need the D to tighten up significantly, and for Bryzgalov to not allow any soft goals.
- PLindbergh31

I don't see opponents averaging around 4 goals a game either though. The Sens can run and gun, as can the Caps (though Hunter is taking them away from that style), but none of Philly's opponents boast the firepower that Pitt has on it's top three lines. Plus this rest period is good for several key components of Philly's D: Timmonen's back, Grossmann's head, and Bryz's foot. I expect them to have a rough 1st period in game one of round 2, whoever they face. Rust combined with their penchant for slow starts is not a good thing. They gotta weather that and after they get going, get right into Game 6 machine mode.

I believe the only goaltender other than Hextall to win the Conn Smythe who didn't win the Cup was JSG. Unless I'm forgetting someone else.
- PLindbergh31

roger crozier, back in the 60's. he may also be the first losing player of ANY position to win the trophy. not sure about that.

That a player on the losing team gets the Conn Smythe? No, it's not the norm.
- MJL

i was being a smart-ass.

boston has to be fried already, even if they get through tonight. 3 7-game series last year, and another one already in the first round this year.

the flyers really helped themselves by dispatching pittsburgh in 6 and are the benefactor of these other series being dragged out.
- hammarby31

The Flyers will need to play very good defense and have excellent goaltending from here out. The other teams dont score as much as Pittsburgh but their much better defensively. I said this yesterday and again now, the Flyers need to realize its okay to win 1-0, 2-1, 3-2. They dont have to score 5 goals a game to win.

roger crozier, back in the 60's. he may also be the first losing player of ANY position to win the trophy. not sure about that.
- hammarby31

That doesn't count. Goalies didn't wear masks then. Vision wasn't impaired.