It doesn't matter how well the Isles have played against the West if they can't play against their own division. Their current success is pleasant, but if they can't keep it up the next few weeks, it will just be another disappointing season without playoffs.
Tonight is the first of the Home-and-Home with the Flyers. While the Flyers have lost three of their last four games, they also chased Poulin from the net the last time the beat the Isles 5 - 2. But since having to be relieved by Anders Nilsson, Poulin has improved and has won six of the last seven games he has appeared in.
So, maybe the Isles DO have their goalie. I've seen fans talk about going after Miller or Halak, but each of those goalies come with issues as well as save percentages better than Poulin. But Poulin has time. He's young and improving and if the Isles had better defense in front of him, his save percentage would probably rival Miller's.
This will be his biggest test. If he gets chased from the net again tonight, the Isles have no hope improving their numbers in their own division. They have to do this five-on-five as the Flyers PK is far better than the Isles. So they won't get far with the man advantage. Their power play is about as successful as the Isles, but still discipline will matter.
Just stay out of the box tonight!