Greg Wyshynski - The Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers have played six games, each winning three, in their Stanley Cup Playoff quarterfinals.
So why does Tuesday night's Game 7 feel like an entirely different series?
Another goalie change for the Flyers. Questions about Chris Pronger's(notes) role. Tim Connolly(notes) out for the Sabres, along with other lineup uncertainty. Mike Richards(notes) and Ryan Miller(notes) trying to see which one can make the most hyperbolic comparison to murder in condemning dangerous plays.
No matter what the vibe is, there are a few basic factors that will determine who advances and who goes home. And here they are:
Brian Boucher(notes)
Just like it has for the last 14 years, it begins with the goaltending for the Philadelphia Flyers. Because in those 14 years, according to Chuck Gormley, they've used 17 goalies.
Boucher is one of three they've used in this series, and Peter Laviolette broke his tradition by naming him the starter well before Game 7. No surprises, no mysteries; Boucher's their guy. Said Boucher to CSN Philly:
"Personally, I feel like I've had a solid series aside from three minutes. So I feel good about my game, and I give a lot of credit to my teammates. They've battled really hard in front of me, and they've really given me a chance to get back in there with the way they played [Sunday] night down 3-1."
That last time he played at home, Boucher gave up three goals on 11 shots in 15:36 of the first period. The good news is that the Flyers rallied in Game 5 to send the game into overtime, much like they did in Game 6 when Michael Leighton(notes) imploded in the first period — only that time, they won.
So they Flyers have shown resiliency when the goaltending has failed them, but that's playing with fire in a Game 7. They need Boucher to be the steady veteran tonight, not the liability he was in Game 5.
And if he falters ... would you believe that it's Sergei Bobrovsky time again? The circle would be complete.
The Sabres Defense
Ryan Miller pitched two shutouts in this series, facing an average of 33.5 shots in them. In his other four appearances, that average is 36.75, including 49 shots in Game 6's overtime affair.
To the surprise of no one, Miller would like to see them tighten up the defense a bit, via the Buffalo News:
"The times we've beaten the Flyers, we've done a really good job of sticking to one plan all night," said Miller, who faced 49 shots in Game Six. "We can do a little bit better job frustrating them. They're a team that relies on turnovers and getting up ice, and I think if we just keep two, three guys together getting back at all times with good back pressure, it's going to definitely be a frustrating style. It's something I don't think the Flyers have reacted too well to, even in the regular season.
"They were pretty patient early, but I think sometimes they expect to be on offense and they really cheat and push for it. You have to try and make them do that. ... We have to try and use their strengths as weaknesses, and we have to be the organized team and the team that's willing to play the chess match."
Which is tough, when the Flyers want to play checkers.
Which Gamers Will Decide Game 7?
Danny Briere(notes) has five goals in this series. So does Thomas Vanek(notes).
Nathan Gerbe(notes) and Tyler Ennis(notes) have two goals each. James van Riemsdyk(notes) has three, while Ville Leino(notes) has two, including the Game 6 winner.
As much as Game 7 is about which team executes its brand of hockey better, it's also about which players make a difference.
If he plays, does Derek Roy(notes) make a difference, or is he emotional window dressing like Pronger in Game 6? Does Mike Richards tally his first playoff goal of 2011, in the series's most important game?
One got the sense at the end of Game 6 that the Sabres would regret not having closed this thing out. The goaltending might be the great equalizer, but they're in a hell of a spot tonight in front of the orange-clad faithful.
Showing posts with label flyers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flyers. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sabres Should Have Advantage Over Flyers
Chris Pawling - Can someone please tell me how the No. 2 seed Philadelphia Flyers are trailing the seventh-seeded Buffalo Sabres, 3-2, in the NHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals?Sure, the Flyers ended the regular season 8-8-7 in their final 23 games. Sure, the Sabres were one of the hottest teams in the league heading into the postseason, finishing the year 28-11-6 in their final 45 games.
But the fact of the matter is, Ryan Miller is becoming the savior for this Buffalo team that's allowed the Flyers into his crease time and time again and made save after save, not to mention post two 1-0 shutouts in Games 1 and 4.
"Ryan was good once again," the Flyers Danny Briere said after Friday's 4-3 overtime loss. "He made the difference tonight with the amount of chances we had. Late on the power play he made a good save on (James van Riemsdyk). That's what you're looking for in a goalie.
"I thought Leighton was great (after coming in for Brian Boucher, who allowed three first-period goals). He made a couple key saves before they scored. For us, we keep playing the same way, as I said. Obviously it's a tough loss, but the worst thing we can do is hang our heads right now. Look up, keep playing hard, and I still believe good things can happen."
The Flyers have outshot the Sabres 165-151 for the series. Leaving out the Flyers' 5-4 win in Game 3 in which the Sabres outshot the Flyers 37-25, Philadelphia holds a 140-114 edge.
"I said it earlier that every game has been a one-goal game," Buffalo head coach Lindy Ruff said when asked who he thinks has the edge in today's Game 6. "They are a quick attack team and can take the momentum away from us for ten minutes and all of a sudden we can get them on their heels and get some momentum back. We know that they have some dangerous offensive players and if we make a mistake that they are able to capitalize.
"Who has the momentum? I like the fact that we get to come back and play in our building, but there is some pressure playing at home too."
One big issue for the Flyers has been and could continue to be special teams. The Flyers are a lowly 2-for-26 (7.7 percent) on the power play. Late in Friday's game, Jordan Leopold was sent to the box on a holding call and the Flyers spent all most all of the rest of regulation with a man advantage and failed to capitalize.
"It gave us some confidence," Miller said. "I think that anytime that you have to kill something that late in a game, especially given the score. We were getting our bodies in lanes. We were working, we were pushing. I think we can feel good about that kind of stuff. I think it did really help to get to the locker room after establishing something more positive."
"We can't just rely on our power play, but at the same time, they can be game-changers," defenseman Matt Carle told reporters at Saturday's practice. "Last night we had the opportunity there in the last two minutes to capitalize on that and we didn't. Now here we are down 3-2.
The bottom line here is that the Flyers are, in fact, the better team in this series. But to prove that, they'll need to break Miller's barriers and capitalize on every opportunity they can muster.
"I have a tremendous amount of confidence in the group in that room," Laviolette said. "At no point did I think we were going to lose the game (Friday). Yet, we did. We are going back to Buffalo and we needed to win this next game anyway so nothing changes for us. We have to go Buffalo and win, period."
NOTE: Buffalo's Jason Pominville, who has a goal and three assists in the series' first five games, is listed as day-to-day with an lower-body injury and won't play today. Ruff said it doesn't look good for Pominville for the rest of the series, either.
But the fact of the matter is, Ryan Miller is becoming the savior for this Buffalo team that's allowed the Flyers into his crease time and time again and made save after save, not to mention post two 1-0 shutouts in Games 1 and 4.
"Ryan was good once again," the Flyers Danny Briere said after Friday's 4-3 overtime loss. "He made the difference tonight with the amount of chances we had. Late on the power play he made a good save on (James van Riemsdyk). That's what you're looking for in a goalie.
"I thought Leighton was great (after coming in for Brian Boucher, who allowed three first-period goals). He made a couple key saves before they scored. For us, we keep playing the same way, as I said. Obviously it's a tough loss, but the worst thing we can do is hang our heads right now. Look up, keep playing hard, and I still believe good things can happen."
The Flyers have outshot the Sabres 165-151 for the series. Leaving out the Flyers' 5-4 win in Game 3 in which the Sabres outshot the Flyers 37-25, Philadelphia holds a 140-114 edge.
"I said it earlier that every game has been a one-goal game," Buffalo head coach Lindy Ruff said when asked who he thinks has the edge in today's Game 6. "They are a quick attack team and can take the momentum away from us for ten minutes and all of a sudden we can get them on their heels and get some momentum back. We know that they have some dangerous offensive players and if we make a mistake that they are able to capitalize.
"Who has the momentum? I like the fact that we get to come back and play in our building, but there is some pressure playing at home too."
One big issue for the Flyers has been and could continue to be special teams. The Flyers are a lowly 2-for-26 (7.7 percent) on the power play. Late in Friday's game, Jordan Leopold was sent to the box on a holding call and the Flyers spent all most all of the rest of regulation with a man advantage and failed to capitalize.
"It gave us some confidence," Miller said. "I think that anytime that you have to kill something that late in a game, especially given the score. We were getting our bodies in lanes. We were working, we were pushing. I think we can feel good about that kind of stuff. I think it did really help to get to the locker room after establishing something more positive."
"We can't just rely on our power play, but at the same time, they can be game-changers," defenseman Matt Carle told reporters at Saturday's practice. "Last night we had the opportunity there in the last two minutes to capitalize on that and we didn't. Now here we are down 3-2.
The bottom line here is that the Flyers are, in fact, the better team in this series. But to prove that, they'll need to break Miller's barriers and capitalize on every opportunity they can muster.
"I have a tremendous amount of confidence in the group in that room," Laviolette said. "At no point did I think we were going to lose the game (Friday). Yet, we did. We are going back to Buffalo and we needed to win this next game anyway so nothing changes for us. We have to go Buffalo and win, period."
NOTE: Buffalo's Jason Pominville, who has a goal and three assists in the series' first five games, is listed as day-to-day with an lower-body injury and won't play today. Ruff said it doesn't look good for Pominville for the rest of the series, either.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Buffalo Sabres Ryan Miller Shut Out Flyers 1-0 To Even Series 2-2
Travis Hughes - Ryan Miller was fantastic yet again for the Buffalo Sabres as they held off the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 4 of their first round NHL playoff series, 1-0, to even the series as we head back to Philly for Game 5.
Jason Pominville scored the lone goal of the game on a tap-in right along the goal line about midway through the first period. At that point, the Sabres were all over the Flyers, as they came out flying right from the opening puck drop. As it turned out, that was the deciding factor in the game, as Miller and the Sabres defense just proved too difficult to crack.
In that sense, Game 4 felt a whole lot like Game 1, where the Sabres also won 1-0. The Sabres clogged the crease, limited those cross-ice passes the Flyers like to use to get Miller moving, and just generally weathered a strong, fierce Philadelphia storm that lasted for much of the latter half of the game.
Perhaps the biggest save of the game came on Danny Briere in the third period, when Miller was face-to-face with his old teammate in a one-on-one battle. Briere tried to open him up with some stick moves, but ultimately Miller got his glove on the puck as Briere went to lift it over him.
It's a series again, and now we're locked in a best-of-three beginning on Friday night in Philadelphia. If Miller can play like he did in Game 4, it could be another frustrating night for the Flyers.
Jason Pominville scored the lone goal of the game on a tap-in right along the goal line about midway through the first period. At that point, the Sabres were all over the Flyers, as they came out flying right from the opening puck drop. As it turned out, that was the deciding factor in the game, as Miller and the Sabres defense just proved too difficult to crack.
In that sense, Game 4 felt a whole lot like Game 1, where the Sabres also won 1-0. The Sabres clogged the crease, limited those cross-ice passes the Flyers like to use to get Miller moving, and just generally weathered a strong, fierce Philadelphia storm that lasted for much of the latter half of the game.
Perhaps the biggest save of the game came on Danny Briere in the third period, when Miller was face-to-face with his old teammate in a one-on-one battle. Briere tried to open him up with some stick moves, but ultimately Miller got his glove on the puck as Briere went to lift it over him.
It's a series again, and now we're locked in a best-of-three beginning on Friday night in Philadelphia. If Miller can play like he did in Game 4, it could be another frustrating night for the Flyers.
2011 NHL Playoffs: Sabres vs Flyers Game 4 Preview
Mark - Needing a boost heading to Buffalo for game number three, Philadelphia got just what the doctor ordered when they skated away with a 4-2 victory and a 2-1 series lead. In the process the Flyers regained the home ice advantage and perhaps some much needed momentum with consecutive victories after the Sabres won the series opener. The offense received goals from four different players for another strong performance following a five goal explosion in game two. However, the biggest boost came from Brian Boucher who recorded 35 saves after getting the nod over Sergei Bobrovsky. He relieved Bobrovsky in the first period of game two while posting 20 saves to give Philly a much needed win.
Buffalo got goals from Nathan Gerbe and Drew Stafford while Ryan Miller gave up three goals on 25 shots. Jeff Carter gave the visitors a 1-0 at 4:42 of the first when his shot from the right circle eluded Miller. Drew Stafford tied on a power play chance at 11:55 of the opening period and this seemed destined for another shootout. Scot Hartnell took advantage of a Buffalo turnover and slid a pass to Briere whose shot found pay dirt just 2:44 in to the second. Philadelphia led 3-1 when Mike Richards found an open Nikolay Zherdev on the right side of the net for an easy tip in with over three minutes left in regulation.
Buffalo made things interesting when Gerbe pounced on a long rebound that he deposited behind Boucher with just 1:48 left in the middle period but Boucher stoned the Sabres after that with 13 saves to finish out the game. Kimmo Timonen finally put this in the win column with an empty net tally at 19:42 setting up a must win for Buffalo. Both teams have had obvious problems after three games and from a Buffalo standpoint much of it revolves around the play of Ryan Miller who was unbeatable in the Sabres 1-0 win in the opener but has allowed eight goals on 59 shots in both defeats.
Buffalo turnovers led to two Philadelphia scores in game three which seemed to come after their own goals and killed momentum. The Flyers have a few issues of their own and the goalie situation is a good place to start. Boucher took over for Bobrovsky and will likely be the number one for the remainder of this series while Bobrovsky’s immediate future is clouded with the recall of Michael Leighton as backup. Philadelphia has got to get the power play untracked also as it was only 1 of 15 in two home games before Carter’s first period strike. The Flyers need this as much as Buffalo and seem to be have a little bounce in their step and I think three consecutive wins is in their future.
Buffalo got goals from Nathan Gerbe and Drew Stafford while Ryan Miller gave up three goals on 25 shots. Jeff Carter gave the visitors a 1-0 at 4:42 of the first when his shot from the right circle eluded Miller. Drew Stafford tied on a power play chance at 11:55 of the opening period and this seemed destined for another shootout. Scot Hartnell took advantage of a Buffalo turnover and slid a pass to Briere whose shot found pay dirt just 2:44 in to the second. Philadelphia led 3-1 when Mike Richards found an open Nikolay Zherdev on the right side of the net for an easy tip in with over three minutes left in regulation.
Buffalo made things interesting when Gerbe pounced on a long rebound that he deposited behind Boucher with just 1:48 left in the middle period but Boucher stoned the Sabres after that with 13 saves to finish out the game. Kimmo Timonen finally put this in the win column with an empty net tally at 19:42 setting up a must win for Buffalo. Both teams have had obvious problems after three games and from a Buffalo standpoint much of it revolves around the play of Ryan Miller who was unbeatable in the Sabres 1-0 win in the opener but has allowed eight goals on 59 shots in both defeats.
Buffalo turnovers led to two Philadelphia scores in game three which seemed to come after their own goals and killed momentum. The Flyers have a few issues of their own and the goalie situation is a good place to start. Boucher took over for Bobrovsky and will likely be the number one for the remainder of this series while Bobrovsky’s immediate future is clouded with the recall of Michael Leighton as backup. Philadelphia has got to get the power play untracked also as it was only 1 of 15 in two home games before Carter’s first period strike. The Flyers need this as much as Buffalo and seem to be have a little bounce in their step and I think three consecutive wins is in their future.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
2011 NHL Playoffs: Philly Flyers Brian Boucher Slam Door On Sabres 4-2
How it happened: Nik Zherdev pushed a well-placed, cross-slot pass from Mike Richards past Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller at 16:44 of the second period to put the Flyers ahead 3-1. It came after the Flyers survived a lopsided first period onslaught and before they survived a third period in which the Sabres had a five-on-three power play.
Heroes: Brian Boucher's play in the last 10 minutes of the first period saved the Flyers from what might have become an imposing Sabres lead. Released from the press box, Zherdev scored the third goal. Defenseman Kimmo Timonen was great, as usual.
Goat: Buffalo defenseman Chris Butler whiffed on a clearing attempt. Scott Hartnell hustled to the puck and fed Danny Briere for the go-ahead, second-period goal.
Did you know? Buffalo's 16 shots in the first period were its most in a period of the series so far. The Flyers had 16 shots in the second period of Game 1.
Hit parade: Once again the Sabres were the more physical team. Especially given their status as one of the league's most penalized teams, the Flyers have done an amazing job taking extra shots without retaliating. Briere was choked after a whistle and Hartnell took a punch to the neck without retaliating.
Living on the edge: Whether he was taking penalties, drawing penalties, knocking his own net off its moorings or picking up loose pucks to create goals, Hartnell was a force.
History lesson: The Sabres had won five straight home playoff games against the Flyers before last night, outscoring them 26-7. The Sabres are now 9-9 all-time in Game 3s.
Heroes: Brian Boucher's play in the last 10 minutes of the first period saved the Flyers from what might have become an imposing Sabres lead. Released from the press box, Zherdev scored the third goal. Defenseman Kimmo Timonen was great, as usual.
Goat: Buffalo defenseman Chris Butler whiffed on a clearing attempt. Scott Hartnell hustled to the puck and fed Danny Briere for the go-ahead, second-period goal.
Did you know? Buffalo's 16 shots in the first period were its most in a period of the series so far. The Flyers had 16 shots in the second period of Game 1.
Hit parade: Once again the Sabres were the more physical team. Especially given their status as one of the league's most penalized teams, the Flyers have done an amazing job taking extra shots without retaliating. Briere was choked after a whistle and Hartnell took a punch to the neck without retaliating.
Living on the edge: Whether he was taking penalties, drawing penalties, knocking his own net off its moorings or picking up loose pucks to create goals, Hartnell was a force.
History lesson: The Sabres had won five straight home playoff games against the Flyers before last night, outscoring them 26-7. The Sabres are now 9-9 all-time in Game 3s.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
2011 NHL Playoffs: Flyers Survive Sabres 5-4
AP - Ville Leino and Danny Briere scored clutch goals, goaltender Brian Boucher delivered again in the postseason, and the Flyers outlasted the Buffalo Sabres, 5-4, yesterday at Philadelphia to even their first-round series at a game apiece.
Boucher, who relieved Sergei Bobrovsky after the rookie allowed three goals on seven shots, stopped 17 straight shots into the third period.
Thomas Vanek scored two power-play goals for the Sabres.
The teams combined for six goals, almost 30 penalty minutes, and three goalies in the first period.
The Flyers’ frustration from Game 1’s punchless offense was taken out with punches almost from the opening faceoff. Paul Gaustad cross-checked Briere on a faceoff, and Scott Hartnell backed Briere by triggering a quick fight with Gaustad. It wasn’t much of a bout. Gaustad yanked Hartnell’s sweater over his face and unloaded his fists on his face.
The Philadelphia crowd, which had nothing to cheer about in Game 1, went wild.
At that point, it was already 1-1. Claude Giroux needed only four minutes to put the Flyers in front, but Vanek tied it just 2:43 later.
Kings 4, Sharks 0 — Drew Doughty had two goals and two assists, Jonathan Quick made 34 saves and visiting Los Angeles evened its first-round series at one game apiece.
Jack Johnson and Kyle Clifford also scored for the Kings, who bounced back from an overtime loss in Game 1 to seize home-ice advantage heading back to Los Angeles for Game 3 Tuesday night.
The Sharks took too many undisciplined penalties and were unable to generate many good offensive chances against Quick. Antti Niemi allowed the four goals on 23 shots to lose for the first time in four postseason starts at the Shark Tank.
Johnson and Doughty each scored power-play goals in the first period and the Kings took control when Doughty blasted a forehand from just inside the blue line through a screen and past Niemi to make it 3-0 with 4:18 left in the second period.
Red Wings 4, Coyotes 3 — Pavel Datsyuk scored a goal and added two assists in the first period — including a marvelous move to set up Darren Helm — and the Red Wings held on at Detroit to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.
Detroit led, 2-0, when Datsyuk poked the puck past a Phoenix player in the neutral zone and skated in on goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. He pulled the puck back between his legs before flipping a shot from close range that was saved. Helm was there for an easy goal on the rebound.
Datsyuk added another assist early in the second period for his first career 4-point game in the playoffs.
Boucher, who relieved Sergei Bobrovsky after the rookie allowed three goals on seven shots, stopped 17 straight shots into the third period.
Thomas Vanek scored two power-play goals for the Sabres.
The teams combined for six goals, almost 30 penalty minutes, and three goalies in the first period.
The Flyers’ frustration from Game 1’s punchless offense was taken out with punches almost from the opening faceoff. Paul Gaustad cross-checked Briere on a faceoff, and Scott Hartnell backed Briere by triggering a quick fight with Gaustad. It wasn’t much of a bout. Gaustad yanked Hartnell’s sweater over his face and unloaded his fists on his face.
The Philadelphia crowd, which had nothing to cheer about in Game 1, went wild.
At that point, it was already 1-1. Claude Giroux needed only four minutes to put the Flyers in front, but Vanek tied it just 2:43 later.
Kings 4, Sharks 0 — Drew Doughty had two goals and two assists, Jonathan Quick made 34 saves and visiting Los Angeles evened its first-round series at one game apiece.
Jack Johnson and Kyle Clifford also scored for the Kings, who bounced back from an overtime loss in Game 1 to seize home-ice advantage heading back to Los Angeles for Game 3 Tuesday night.
The Sharks took too many undisciplined penalties and were unable to generate many good offensive chances against Quick. Antti Niemi allowed the four goals on 23 shots to lose for the first time in four postseason starts at the Shark Tank.
Johnson and Doughty each scored power-play goals in the first period and the Kings took control when Doughty blasted a forehand from just inside the blue line through a screen and past Niemi to make it 3-0 with 4:18 left in the second period.
Red Wings 4, Coyotes 3 — Pavel Datsyuk scored a goal and added two assists in the first period — including a marvelous move to set up Darren Helm — and the Red Wings held on at Detroit to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.
Detroit led, 2-0, when Datsyuk poked the puck past a Phoenix player in the neutral zone and skated in on goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. He pulled the puck back between his legs before flipping a shot from close range that was saved. Helm was there for an easy goal on the rebound.
Datsyuk added another assist early in the second period for his first career 4-point game in the playoffs.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
2011 NHL Playoffs: Flyers Crush Sabres 5-4 In A Wild Night In Philly
It was a wild one, but the Philadelphia Flyers earned themselves a huge victory in Game 2 against the Buffalo Sabres at Wells Fargo Center. Danny Briere scored the game-winning goal late in the second period when he redirected a Scott Hartnell shot with his skate, beating Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller.
That tally was a 5-on-5 marker, but the game didn't really get much of a flow at even strength. In total, 54 penalty minutes were handed out in a game that was just insane from the drop of the puck. Six goals were scored in the first period alone, leading to an early shower for Flyers starter Sergei Bobrovsky.
When Brian Boucher entered late in the first to relieve Bob, the game cooled down quite a bit in terms of the "holy-crap-everything-is-going-in-the-net" factor. But that didn't lead to a slow down in emotion. Seemingly every whistle was followed by an altercation, and after the tight-checking, low-scoring affair we saw in Game 1 on Thursday, Saturday's events certainly made this one feel like a playoff series.
Philadelphia was especially poor on the special teams, which you would think wouldn't bode well in a game with 54 penalty minutes. They allowed two power play goals and failed to convert on nine of their own 10 chances, but that one they did convert on turned out to be a game-changer.
It came just a few minutes prior to Briere's goal when Ville Leino snapped a shot over the shoulder of Miller. From there, the Flyers controlled things at even strength, and even when the Sabres were down by just a goal in the third period, they couldn't establish much pressure in the offensive end.
It was a fun afternoon at Wells Fargo Center for Flyers fans, although likely a bit frustrating for fans of the Sabres. The venue will switch to HSBC Arena for Game 3 on Monday night.
That tally was a 5-on-5 marker, but the game didn't really get much of a flow at even strength. In total, 54 penalty minutes were handed out in a game that was just insane from the drop of the puck. Six goals were scored in the first period alone, leading to an early shower for Flyers starter Sergei Bobrovsky.
When Brian Boucher entered late in the first to relieve Bob, the game cooled down quite a bit in terms of the "holy-crap-everything-is-going-in-the-net" factor. But that didn't lead to a slow down in emotion. Seemingly every whistle was followed by an altercation, and after the tight-checking, low-scoring affair we saw in Game 1 on Thursday, Saturday's events certainly made this one feel like a playoff series.
Philadelphia was especially poor on the special teams, which you would think wouldn't bode well in a game with 54 penalty minutes. They allowed two power play goals and failed to convert on nine of their own 10 chances, but that one they did convert on turned out to be a game-changer.
It came just a few minutes prior to Briere's goal when Ville Leino snapped a shot over the shoulder of Miller. From there, the Flyers controlled things at even strength, and even when the Sabres were down by just a goal in the third period, they couldn't establish much pressure in the offensive end.
It was a fun afternoon at Wells Fargo Center for Flyers fans, although likely a bit frustrating for fans of the Sabres. The venue will switch to HSBC Arena for Game 3 on Monday night.
NHL 2011 Playoffs, Sabres vs. Flyers Game 2 Preview
Frank Servalli - CLAUDE GIROUX said this feeling, the one the Flyers have heading into tonight's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against Buffalo, reminds him of that epic series against Boston last season.
No, the Flyers aren't thinking they are going to need to duplicate one of the greatest comebacks in the history of professional sports.
And, no, the Sabres are not nearly as talented as last year's Bruins.
But the overwhelming reaction, the one inside the Flyers' locker room, is that they wholeheartedly believe that they outplayed Buffalo on Thursday night, despite coming out on the wrong side of an underwhelming 1-0 shutout loss.
It was the Flyers' first shutout loss in the playoffs since May 18, 2008, against Pittsburgh.
That's why another Flyer compared Game 2, which begins at 5 o'clock today at the Wells Fargo Center, to a roulette wheel at your favorite casino. Even after landing on red eight spins in a row, each individual roll is an independent attempt with the same odds as any other - despite what the electronic board next to it, or the scoreboard in the series, says.
"It's a totally new game," Kimmo Timonen said. "It doesn't matter if you lost or won Game 1."
That's why the Flyers have no plans on changing their strategy for tonight's grudge match, as they hope to take a series split to Buffalo for Game 3 on Monday night.
"I think we'll just stick with our game plan, what we've done the entire year," coach Peter Laviolette said. "We've scored a lot of goals this year, so I think there is a lot of confidence in that. We were one of the top scoring teams in the league."
Still, as Laviolette said on Thursday night: "This is a new team and a new year."
This isn't the same team that trumped Boston. And the Flyers seem to recognize that, and the fact that they have coughed up the home-ice advantage in this series already.
"We know we can win on the road," said Danny Briere, whose team set a franchise record for road wins in a season this year. "But yet, [tonight's] game is a big one. We definitely don't want to be in the hole two-zip."
Laviolette and the rest of the Flyers seemed to be happy with the intensity and energy levels. And that's fine. But there is no guarantee, even if they play well again tonight and fall, that they have the magic to do what they did last year. The Flyers know they are flirting with fire.
"I don't think it's the game that we have a problem with," Laviolette said. "It's the score. That's the issue. We're on limited time here in the playoffs. And if you don't make your mark, you don't get to go on."
Pronger update
The news continues to be less encouraging for Chris Pronger, who, once again, skated separately from his teammates early yesterday morning in an attempt to prepare himself for the Flyers' first-round matchup with Buffalo.
Pronger, who was not available to the media, focused mainly on skating and only briefly handled the puck.
Officially, the Flyers continue to list Pronger as day-to-day and a "game-day decision," with his right hand injury, though team sources say Pronger will not play tonight against Buffalo in Game 2. He remains unlikely to even be available for Game 3 in Buffalo on Monday.
Lineup change?
Nik Zherdev last played in a Stanley Cup playoff game back on April 28, 2009. He has had almost 2 full years to think about how his Rangers coughed up a 3-1 series lead to Washington - and how he didn't net a single point in the seven-game series.
Zherdev might finally get a chance to right one of those wrongs tonight in Game 2 against Buffalo. He flip-flopped lines in yesterday's practice, skating more with Kris Versteeg and Mike Richards.
Zherdev, who had 16 regular-season goals, was a healthy scratch for the 25th time this season, on Thursday. He was the key cog in the Flyers' 2-for-6 power-play success in Ottawa on April 5. Dan Carcillo is a prime candidate to come out of the lineup, having played a team-low 6 minutes, 26 seconds in a limited role in Game 1. Andreas Nodl was more noticeable with six hits in 11:07 of ice time.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has been around the game long enough to know the difference between a win well-earned and a win stolen - not that it much matters in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Ruff probably believes his team's Game 1 win was somewhere in the middle.
At the same time, he knows that posting just 25 shots again, without dominating the play in Game 2, will make it tougher on his team to leave with a sweep in South Philadelphia.
"We know we can be better," Ruff said yesterday. "We played a strong game. But we can play a better game. We didn't spend the time in the offensive zone we wanted. I think we really have to get after it in Game 2. I thought that hurt us."
Sabres forward Nathan Gerbe, who set up the game's only goal, said they need to do a better job of taking pressure off Ryan Miller.
"I just think everyone needs to come together," Gerbe said. "We're not going to put it on one person. Each game is going to get harder and everyone has to rise up."
Slap shots
Peter Laviolette said he thought rookie netminder Sergei Bobrovsky was "fine" in Game 1, stopping 24 of 25 shots . . . Interesting to note that backup goalie Brian Boucher is 4-1 in playoff games against Buffalo with a 1.94 goals-against average . . . The Flyers are 35-29 in Game 2s and are 18-16 all-time in Game 2 following a Game 1 loss.
No, the Flyers aren't thinking they are going to need to duplicate one of the greatest comebacks in the history of professional sports.
And, no, the Sabres are not nearly as talented as last year's Bruins.
But the overwhelming reaction, the one inside the Flyers' locker room, is that they wholeheartedly believe that they outplayed Buffalo on Thursday night, despite coming out on the wrong side of an underwhelming 1-0 shutout loss.
It was the Flyers' first shutout loss in the playoffs since May 18, 2008, against Pittsburgh.
That's why another Flyer compared Game 2, which begins at 5 o'clock today at the Wells Fargo Center, to a roulette wheel at your favorite casino. Even after landing on red eight spins in a row, each individual roll is an independent attempt with the same odds as any other - despite what the electronic board next to it, or the scoreboard in the series, says.
"It's a totally new game," Kimmo Timonen said. "It doesn't matter if you lost or won Game 1."
That's why the Flyers have no plans on changing their strategy for tonight's grudge match, as they hope to take a series split to Buffalo for Game 3 on Monday night.
"I think we'll just stick with our game plan, what we've done the entire year," coach Peter Laviolette said. "We've scored a lot of goals this year, so I think there is a lot of confidence in that. We were one of the top scoring teams in the league."
Still, as Laviolette said on Thursday night: "This is a new team and a new year."
This isn't the same team that trumped Boston. And the Flyers seem to recognize that, and the fact that they have coughed up the home-ice advantage in this series already.
"We know we can win on the road," said Danny Briere, whose team set a franchise record for road wins in a season this year. "But yet, [tonight's] game is a big one. We definitely don't want to be in the hole two-zip."
Laviolette and the rest of the Flyers seemed to be happy with the intensity and energy levels. And that's fine. But there is no guarantee, even if they play well again tonight and fall, that they have the magic to do what they did last year. The Flyers know they are flirting with fire.
"I don't think it's the game that we have a problem with," Laviolette said. "It's the score. That's the issue. We're on limited time here in the playoffs. And if you don't make your mark, you don't get to go on."
Pronger update
The news continues to be less encouraging for Chris Pronger, who, once again, skated separately from his teammates early yesterday morning in an attempt to prepare himself for the Flyers' first-round matchup with Buffalo.
Pronger, who was not available to the media, focused mainly on skating and only briefly handled the puck.
Officially, the Flyers continue to list Pronger as day-to-day and a "game-day decision," with his right hand injury, though team sources say Pronger will not play tonight against Buffalo in Game 2. He remains unlikely to even be available for Game 3 in Buffalo on Monday.
Lineup change?
Nik Zherdev last played in a Stanley Cup playoff game back on April 28, 2009. He has had almost 2 full years to think about how his Rangers coughed up a 3-1 series lead to Washington - and how he didn't net a single point in the seven-game series.
Zherdev might finally get a chance to right one of those wrongs tonight in Game 2 against Buffalo. He flip-flopped lines in yesterday's practice, skating more with Kris Versteeg and Mike Richards.
Zherdev, who had 16 regular-season goals, was a healthy scratch for the 25th time this season, on Thursday. He was the key cog in the Flyers' 2-for-6 power-play success in Ottawa on April 5. Dan Carcillo is a prime candidate to come out of the lineup, having played a team-low 6 minutes, 26 seconds in a limited role in Game 1. Andreas Nodl was more noticeable with six hits in 11:07 of ice time.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has been around the game long enough to know the difference between a win well-earned and a win stolen - not that it much matters in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Ruff probably believes his team's Game 1 win was somewhere in the middle.
At the same time, he knows that posting just 25 shots again, without dominating the play in Game 2, will make it tougher on his team to leave with a sweep in South Philadelphia.
"We know we can be better," Ruff said yesterday. "We played a strong game. But we can play a better game. We didn't spend the time in the offensive zone we wanted. I think we really have to get after it in Game 2. I thought that hurt us."
Sabres forward Nathan Gerbe, who set up the game's only goal, said they need to do a better job of taking pressure off Ryan Miller.
"I just think everyone needs to come together," Gerbe said. "We're not going to put it on one person. Each game is going to get harder and everyone has to rise up."
Slap shots
Peter Laviolette said he thought rookie netminder Sergei Bobrovsky was "fine" in Game 1, stopping 24 of 25 shots . . . Interesting to note that backup goalie Brian Boucher is 4-1 in playoff games against Buffalo with a 1.94 goals-against average . . . The Flyers are 35-29 in Game 2s and are 18-16 all-time in Game 2 following a Game 1 loss.
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