News Flash: Flyers whup Montreal!

[Swish]

...although it was real scary in the 3rd period, thanks to Hatcher's stoopid boarding penalty.With a 3-0 lead and the game basically in hand, why would he do something so asinine? The Habs seemingly cannot score an even-strength goal on Biron, so he gives them 5 minutes of PP time to make it close.

Yes, they were outplayed and out shot, but the Flyers found a way to score anyway. I am starting to believe they can take this series, but if they don't stop the idiotic penalties, and there were a few in this game, they could shoot themselves in the foot/feet.

Swish

[kexodusc]

...although it was real scary in the 3rd period, thanks to Hatcher's stoopid boarding penalty.With a 3-0 lead and the game basically in hand, why would he do something so asinine? The Habs seemingly cannot score an even-strength goal on Biron, so he gives them 5 minutes of PP time to make it close.

Yes, they were outplayed and out shot, but the Flyers found a way to score anyway. I am starting to believe they can take this series, but if they don't stop the idiotic penalties, and there were a few in this game, they could shoot themselves in the foot/feet.

Swish

I liked the Hatcher hit (go figure he becomes the subject of controversy after I praise him though). When you're up 3-0 late in a game and your goalie is playing incredible, that is exactly what you should do in a series. Take a few liberties on their players and cause them some pain. Especially after the hit on Timonen last game. The game was over but the series wasn't, you play to hurt (cleanly) at that point to try and gain an advantage for the next game. It's working too, Swish. Watch how Montreal's forwards are playing closer together instead of spreading out on the rush, and they're playing more East-West now instead of a speedy North-South game on the break out through the neutral zone. They're thinking about the big hit!

To be honest, the game happens so fast I don't think Hatcher can be blamed for anything other than an accidental boarding in this case. Bouillon was skating behind the net seemingly turning towards Hatcher, then looked back to protect himself against the other Flyer that was on side opposite at the last second. Rarely do player skate backwards across the back of the net and Hatcher wasn't expecting it. Had he fully turned around, Hatcher's hit would have been clean and hard. Bouillon didn't turn away from the hit and in no way is at fault here, but what's Hatcher supposed to do there. If you watch the replay, he's in front of the net and in a span of less than 1 second on my PVR Bouillon gets rocked. One of those unfortunate collisions that happen. Like accidental high sticks. Still a penalty, but it wasn't malicious or dirty, and I would argue not stupid either. If he lets him go free he's in scoring positon on the far side of the crease.

Downie's can-opener on Price earlier on was 10 times as bad. Truth is the Flyers better leave the goalies alone, because if Montreal trades Price for Biron in skater induced injurires, the scores will become much more lopsided in favor of Montreal. Halak is a legit major league talent as well.

[Ex Lion Tamer]

...although it was real scary in the 3rd period, thanks to Hatcher's stoopid boarding penalty.With a 3-0 lead and the game basically in hand, why would he do something so asinine? The Habs seemingly cannot score an even-strength goal on Biron, so he gives them 5 minutes of PP time to make it close.

Yes, they were outplayed and out shot, but the Flyers found a way to score anyway. I am starting to believe they can take this series, but if they don't stop the idiotic penalties, and there were a few in this game, they could shoot themselves in the foot/feet.

Swish

Very frustrating game to watch for a Canadiens fan. First they blow a 2-minute 5 on 3; how do you do that? Once that happenend I pretty much knew they were going to lose the game. Then, especially after the first two Philly goals, there was just no fight in them - losing all the key battles. Finally they get a little life and then take a too-many-men penalty. They just seem to lack any real intensity - no one is going to the net and Price seems to get down when they miss all those opportunities.

I still think they can win the series - but they better start going to the net and competing for loose pucks and burying their chances. Marty Biron is just not this good! Time to start proving it.

[kexodusc]

Very frustrating game to watch for a Canadiens fan. First they blow a 2-minute 5 on 3; how do you do that? Once that happenend I pretty much knew they were going to lose the game. Then, especially after the first two Philly goals, there was just no fight in them - losing all the key battles. Finally they get a little life and then take a too-many-men penalty. They just seem to lack any real intensity - no one is going to the net and Price seems to get down when they miss all those opportunities.

I still think they can win the series - but they better start going to the net and competing for loose pucks and burying their chances. Mary Biron is just not this good! Time to start proving it.

Seems the Flyers have figured out Price too (or at least they think they have). Most of the goals he's been letting in since late in the Boston series have been glove side shots. Carboneau might pull the coaching move of the playoffs and put Halak in the next game just to keep the Flyers guessing.
Otherwise they're outplaying them in pretty much every other area of the game except except physicality where it's close. I'm guessing there's no real scouting report on Halak and he's pretty good himself so it could neutralize the goalie advantage the Flyers seem to have.
Price has always rebounded well from adversity though usually with huge performances.

You're right Lion Tamer. The Habs have outplayed Philly in both losses and if the PP was going like it should be (#1 in the season I think) they'd be up 3-0 by now. The 2 late goals were as much a result of the Flyers sitting back before the game was over as they were great puck movement on the power play. Time for leaders to lead...