Flyers are now up 3 games to 1. Woo hoo!

[Swish]

So, I guess they could actually win this series and face those dang Penguins in the semis for the Stanley Cup You gotta believe!

Swish

[kexodusc]

So, I guess they could actually win this series and face those dang Penguins in the semis for the Stanley Cup You gotta believe!

Swish

Someone's gotta beat those Penguins.
Wow, do the Sabres ever look stupid now.

[Swish]

Someone's gotta beat those Penguins.
Wow, do the Sabres ever look stupid now.

...would be wild. There's such a big rivalry between the two cities because of football and hockey, so if this happens, and it's looking like it will with the Pens up 3-0 and Flyers up 3-1, it's going to be wild. Early in the season the Flyers led the season series 3-1 but lost 3 of the next 4, so the momentum is on their side, and they're playing better hockey. Of course, you have to consider the rash of injuries the Flyers suffered in the second half of the season.

Swish

[kexodusc]

...would be wild. There's such a big rivalry between the two cities because of football and hockey, so if this happens, and it's looking like it will with the Pens up 3-0 and Flyers up 3-1, it's going to be wild. Early in the season the Flyers led the season series 3-1 but lost 3 of the next 4, so the momentum is on their side, and they're playing better hockey. Of course, you have to consider the rash of injuries the Flyers suffered in the second half of the season.

Swish

Yeah, injuries are always unpredictable element of bad luck. How good could the Flyers be now with Gagne healthy?
The Penguins had their share too, including 30 games without their best player and top goalie. Good teams overcome.

I just hope someone beats the Penguins. I'm bitter that they basically benefitted so tremendously from sucking so bad (on purpose) for a few years and winning a few draft lotteries close together. No real team managment or building. Grrrrr...

[Ex Lion Tamer]

[/SIZE]

So, I guess they could actually win this series and face those dang Penguins in the semis for the Stanley Cup You gotta believe!

Swish

STEVE BEGIN = BONEHEAD!!!

This series is getting ugly fast. Every game looks eerily similar. Montreal can't capitolize on early breaks, Flyers bury their few chances - Montreal turns up the intensity to make a game of it in the third...too little too late.

So Grampa, would you prefer a comp or a preview disc? If a preview -have you ever heard this...

It's a good one!

[Swish]

[/SIZE]

STEVE BEGIN = BONEHEAD!!!

This series is getting ugly fast. Every game looks eerily similar. Montreal can't capitolize on early breaks, Flyers bury their few chances - Montreal turns up the intensity to make a game of it in the third...too little too late.

So Grampa, would you prefer a comp or a preview disc? If a preview -have you ever heard this...

It's a good one!

The Flyers were up 3-1 over the Caps and were pushed to game 7, and the Caps are not the Habs. I foresee this going the full 7, but I hope not. Yes, you would think with the way the games are going the wrong team is winning, but the Flyers went through this before where they seemingly out-shot everyone but it didn't reflect on the score.

I'm sure you've had your fill of R. J. Umberger by now. Ha! I saw your comment about him the other day, and now he's becoming THE MAN for the Flyers, scoring in the last 3 including another 2 last night. Yeah, the second was the empty-netter, but it still hurts.

Conventional wisdom would indicate that the Flyers will win the series since they're up 3-1, so if that happens, the preview cd will be fine.

Swish

[Ex Lion Tamer]

The Flyers were up 3-1 over the Caps and were pushed to game 7, and the Caps are not the Habs. I foresee this going the full 7, but I hope not. Yes, you would think with the way the games are going the wrong team is winning, but the Flyers went through this before where they seemingly out-shot everyone but it didn't reflect on the score.

I'm sure you've had your fill of R. J. Umberger by now. Ha! I saw your comment about him the other day, and now he's becoming THE MAN for the Flyers, scoring in the last 3 including another 2 last night. Yeah, the second was the empty-netter, but it still hurts.

Conventional wisdom would indicate that the Flyers will win the series since they're up 3-1, so if that happens, the preview cd will be fine.

Swish

I like your cautious optimism. But I'll tell you this right now. If it goes to seven - the Habs will be playing the pens in the East final - frankly though I don't see it. I do think they'll gut out game 5, but probably lose in 6. And yeah, if I never hear the name Umburger again that would be just fine.

Montreal beat Boston because our third and 4th line was better than theirs, but the Philly 3rd line is just killing Montreal.

[Slosh]

I'm not much of a hockey fan but when is the last time Montreal won three straight? Just sayin'

NP:

[Swish]

I'm not much of a hockey fan but when is the last time Montreal won three straight? Just sayin'

NP:

...during the regular season, including the last three, so they're certainly capable. And they're the #1 seed. And we're talking about a Philly sports team. Deep down inside I can't for the life of me believe they could lose the next 3, but I refuse to count my chickens (see the 3 things I mentioned). The fact that they made the playoffs was a big deal after the debacle of last season, and the fact that they won the first round and are leading the #1 see 3-1 is almost too much for me to stand.

As funny as this sounds, if they do win this series and lose to the damn Penguins, I'm going to be a basket-case. I hate that team with a passion. As much as I hate the Cowboys and Raiders, the Yankees the Mets and the Braves, the Lakers and the Celtics...you get the picture.

Swish

[kexodusc]

I remember that hit...wasn't as bad as the Fedoruk KO though...what is it with Flyers keeping their heads down?

[bobsticks]

You mean the Boogeyman breaking T-Fed's face, Kex? That kinda reminded me of the Cro-Cop/ Bob Sapp fight, if any of y'all are MMA fans. Brutal.

I agree with Tamer's assessment, I think the Habs too good to go away with just a whimper but Philly's rollin'. Philly in 6 and on to meet the Pens who, other than Daryl Sydor, I really couldn't care less about.

[kexodusc]

You mean the Boogeyman breaking T-Fed's face, Kex? That kinda reminded me of the Cro-Cop/ Bob Sapp fight, if any of y'all are MMA fans. Brutal.

I agree with Tamer's assessment, I think the Habs too good to go away with just a whimper but Philly's rollin'. Philly in 6 and on to meet the Pens who, other than Daryl Sydor, I really couldn't care less about.

Booger? Nah, even better...

[audiobill]

Hey, Swish.
The Penguins are my backup team, since the Habs got trounced. Go Penguins Go!
Wouldn't it be cool to have two PA teams in the finals?

Cheers,
Bill

So, I guess they could actually win this series and face those dang Penguins in the semis for the Stanley Cup You gotta believe!

Swish

[Swish]

Hey, Swish.
The Penguins are my backup team, since the Habs got trounced. Go Penguins Go!
Wouldn't it be cool to have two PA teams in the finals?

Cheers,
Bill

...and there's no such thing as a backup team. Neither has a prayer against the Wings anyway.

Swish

P.S. Where have you been hiding Bill?

[kexodusc]

...and there's no such thing as a backup team.

Sure there is...when your team gets owned by a team in Round 2, you cheer for their next opponent as your "backup team". Kinda like why I'm cheering for the Flyers.

Neither has a prayer against the Wings anyway.

The Wings are made to beat the big, defensive Western teams, but they're not well suited for a matchup against a team that can match them skill for skill, speed for speed. The meat-and-potatoes Nashville Predators, slow and injury-ravaged Colorado Avalanche, and the hurt and seemingly tired Dallas Stars haven't controlled the puck possession game or generated much in scoring chances. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are capable of doing that and aren't going in underdogs.

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia both have high octane offense like Detroit's never seen, and equal or better goaltending. Assuming they get past the Stars (not willing to concede that one yet, but it's looking grim) the East Conference champs will be their toughest challenge. I like the East over Detroit, regardless of which PA team it is.

[Rich-n-Texas]

...Assuming they get past the Stars (not willing to concede that one yet, but it's looking grim) the East Conference champs will be their toughest challenge. I like the East over Detroit, regardless of which PA team it is.

I'm not holding out much hope for the Stars, but it sure would be nice to see them win for their fans this week.

[Swish]

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are capable of doing that and aren't going in underdogs.

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia both have high octane offense like Detroit's never seen, and equal or better goaltending. Assuming they get past the Stars (not willing to concede that one yet, but it's looking grim) the East Conference champs will be their toughest challenge. I like the East over Detroit, regardless of which PA team it is.

I keep telling everyone the Flyers have no reason to be in the playoffs and don't stand a chance, and they keep winning. If I get cocky now they will mess up for sure. Don't you know their Stanley Cup hopes hinge upon my actions? Man are you stoopid.

Swishbaloney

[ForeverAutumn]

I keep telling everyone the Flyers have no reason to be in the playoffs and don't stand a chance, and they keep winning. If I get cocky now they will mess up for sure. Don't you know their Stanley Cup hopes hinge upon my actions? Man are you stoopid.

Swishbaloney

I hope you're growing a post season beard, because otherwise.....

[Swish]

The Wings are made to beat the big, defensive Western teams, but they're not well suited for a matchup against a team that can match them skill for skill, speed for speed. The meat-and-potatoes Nashville Predators, slow and injury-ravaged Colorado Avalanche, and the hurt and seemingly tired Dallas Stars haven't controlled the puck possession game or generated much in scoring chances. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are capable of doing that and aren't going in underdogs.

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia both have high octane offense like Detroit's never seen, and equal or better goaltending. Assuming they get past the Stars (not willing to concede that one yet, but it's looking grim) the East Conference champs will be their toughest challenge. I like the East over Detroit, regardless of which PA team it is.

The Penguins can barely muster a shot much less a goal, and it's because the Wings are controlling the puck on offense and strangling the Pens with their excellent defense. This one isn't even close and could very well be a clean sweep. Maybe it's best the Flyers lost to Pittsburgh to spare themselves the humility and the hands of Detroit. Then again...

Swish - lovin' it!

[3-LockBox]

Is hockey still playing? hhmmm...

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Stone]

Honeymoon's over, Swish, unless the Flyers can get really lucky and get more of those crap no-goal calls. The Flyers are out-classed in talent.

But ultimately it doesn't matter who from Penn is in the final if the Wings keep playing up to their talent level.

Edit: I should have read the entire thread. I guess you agree with my last statement.

[Swish]

Honeymoon's over, Swish, unless the Flyers can get really lucky and get more of those crap no-goal calls. The Flyers are out-classed in talent.

But ultimately it doesn't matter who from Penn is in the final if the Wings keep playing up to their talent level.

Edit: I should have read the entire thread. I guess you agree with my last statement.

... the Flyers played without their top 2 penalty killers and one of the best offensive players (Gagne), or this could be a different series thus far. As far as the 'crap no-goal call', I would agree it looked good, but the replay guys disagreed. How about the crap penalty on Hatcher that lead to the PP goal or the no-call on the cheap shot by Malkin, of the goalie interference call on Briere when, in fact, the replay showed he was grabbed and pushed into the goalie?

Like I said, this series is far from over, and I expect the Flyers to win the next 4 in a row.

Swish

[kexodusc]

You're never in trouble in a playoff series until you lose a game at home..cliche, but true!
The last line change is sooo important to the Flyers to get the matchups they want vs the Crosby and Malkin lines.

Wouldn't it be great if Crosby and Malkin collided, knee on knee at full speed in the neutral zone?

[Ex Lion Tamer]

You're never in trouble in a playoff series until you lose a game at home..cliche, but true!
The last line change is sooo important to the Flyers to get the matchups they want vs the Crosby and Malkin lines.

Wouldn't it be great if Crosby and Malkin collided, knee on knee at full speed in the neutral zone?

The match-up they want - that ship has sailed with Timonen and now Coburn both out. No disrespect to Hatcher, but if he's playing 24 minutes like he did in game 2, the Flyers are in trouble. I see this series going 4 - maybe 5, not more.

Wings/Pens will be a very good series. And I don't really understand the hate on everyone seems to have for Crosby - well i understand it from Swish - hockey fans, for some reason just love to eat their own.

[kexodusc]

The match-up they want - that ship has sailed with Timonen and now Coburn both out. No disrespect to Hatcher, but if he's playing 24 minutes like he did in game 2, the Flyers are in trouble. I see this series going 4 - maybe 5, not more.

Wings/Pens will be a very good series. And I don't really understand the hate on everyone seems to have for Crosby - well i understand it from Swish - hockey fans, for some reason just love to eat their own.

Hate's a strong word. Hockey's a sport that's built on a weird code of honor. It's okay to high stick a guy in the face, but if you whine about being hit in the face, or "oversell" the injury you're villified. Soccer players would be executed for some of the stunts they pull.
Crosby has some old bad habbits he developed in the QMJHL - it was common for him to have 3 guys hanging on to his sweater and arms, so he learned to lunge a bit and fall down "easy". It was the only way he could get space and it worked so often (still does). Most of the time it works to draw a penalty, which in all honesty should be called 100% of the time anyway, but there's a few too many times it's just blatant diving.
It's infuriated a lot of the NHL stars in this league - Sundin, Jagr, Alfredsson, Shanahan, Sakic, among others are all on record saying he's got to stop that. It's not helping when Ovechkin, a European (the horror) is playing a much grittier, less whiny game while racking up similar numbers. He is, to his credit getting much better, but still has a ways to go.

Some of the hate of course is just the same anti-hero sentiment that other greats like Gretzky and Lemieux had as well. I'm sure in a few years Crosby will look a lot different than he does now and they'll be picking on some other rising star.

As for line matchups, you're right, the injuries are an unfortunate blow to the Flyers, but I was thinking more in line of forward line matchups. Malkin's line has stayed away from Briere's for much of the first 2 games. It'll be interesting to see if that changes in Philly.
But damn, with Coburn and Timonen out, it might not matter much now. Philly needed a bit of luck to win this series, and so far luck's been against them.