Phigment

"Flyers and NHL follow me at http://twitter.com/BobHaynesJr"

United States, VA • United States •

Game Day - Flyers vs Habs - Game 1

I am so excited to watch the 2nd round. I have a feeling that the Flyers are playing with house money now. Getting into the playoffs and winning a round was a realistic goal for this squad after last season. The rebuild job left over 1/2 the team with new faces and making the playoffs made it a total success.

Montreal overachieved all year. They were not picked to challenge for #1 in the East. So now the pressure of all of Canada falls on the Habs and their rookie goalie. It will be interesting to watch how a loose team can pressure a team expected to win. Also remember this key point, at one time during the 2nd half of the season, Philly was the top team in the conference. Injuries really damaged them during the early 2nd half of the season.

Matchups:
Forwards: PHILLY
The edge up front has to go to Philly here. The balance and well spread attack gives them the edge over the two line attack of the Habs.

Defense: MONTREAL
The Habs defense is more mobile overall and very well coached. Hatcher and Smith for the Flyers are playing on sheer guts right now.

Goaltending: TIE
Price is the hot sexy rookie, but Biron is a top flight goalie that has something to prove. Guys like that are sometimes tougher to beat, and let's face it...he is a pretty good goalie to begin with.

Special Teams: PHILLY
The Powerplays were both great (1st and 2nd), but Philly was top 10 in penalty kill while Montreal was in the bottom half of the league.

I know this is the homer pick - but I like the Flyers in 6. The have everything it takes to win in the playoffs, especially balanced scoring. If you doubt the scoring of the Flyers - look at this fact. Gagne and Knuble (top left and right wing) are out , and they are still dangerous. They are physical and will wear down the Habs.

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