dump and chase, dump and chase...I know it sounds boring, but if you are looking for obvious weaknesses in the Philadelphia Flyers, look no further than their defensive corp. I won't say their goaltending right off the bat, although I wouldn't be surprised if we see Burke in this series. I digress...here are the expected defensive starters...Pitkanen, Malakhov, Ragnarsson, Markov, Johnsson (possible), Timander. Kapanen might play D as well. Not a corp that strikes fear into the hearts and minds of most, I dare say. I do like Markov though and think that Quinn was stupid to let the Russ...errr Canadian go. Just thought I'd throw in my Don Cherry moment and mention that all of them are European, although not entirely soft...
Now, the Flyers have the edge in forwards, that I will give them especially without Nolan, Renberg (not a HUGE fan, but is streaky), and possibly Sundin for a game or two...now to eliminate that edge we/they MUST get it deep into the Flyers end and work the cycle as neutral zone play will be won by the speed, skill and size of the Flyer forwards. (No passes up the middle Kaberle!!!)
If TO spends most of the night in their own end as they did with Ottawa, they/we are dead...Philly will simply walk out from the corners and crash the net...
Another Key is going to obviously be discipline...the emotions will be supercharged, man and if Eddie can frustrate Philly early, they will take dumb penalties. Conversely, Eddie has GOT to remain cool, and that is up to the Leaf defensemen...they have to remain between Eddie and the Flyer players as much as possible and clear them out after the whistle because Eddie will blow.
(Almost done, hang in there) I think the schedule actually favours Toronto as they will ride an emotional high from the previous series even if Sundin doesn't go and come sunday, the Flyers will have only played 1 game in 8 days. (I think my math is right)
Additionally on the plus side is OBVIOUSLY Eddie's play as of late, although he sucked this year against Philly 5.03 GAA, highest against any team...p.s. anybody know what he is all-time vs. philly...can't seem to find it anywhere, because as in the Ottawa-TO series, I think it sometimes is a case of a goalie just not having success against certain teams for one reason or another moreso than the team itself (although Tugnutt was in net for one of our playoff series wins).
Sorry 'bout the long one, but this is my maiden post (got sick and tired of bs on Sportsnet) and I am jacked up beyond belief for this one. I'm praying for Montreal-TO and Col-Det, with TO-DET final...dare to dream, right, dare to dream...besides these dreams may have to last all of next year, so let's enjoy 'em... tor:
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Anybody remember the guy who used to yell "Goooooooooooooo Leeeeeeaaaaaaafffffffssssss Gooooooooooo!" at the Gardens in the 80's? I loved that guy!
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