This series puts probably the best offence on paper in the NHL against what is actually a very strong defensive Flyers unit, who also pack some great offensive players, the acquisition of Prospal was key i think to the Flyers cup run and end of season run in. Also the likes of Timmonen, Coburn and Hartnell, while the former two are more your shut down player like Ruutu and Talbot they still possess some attacking threat. I see Timmonen and Coburn being a key match-up against the Pens attacking lines of Sid, Malone, Malkin, Hossa to name a few, it will be essential that the flyers can shut these guys down, a task which will be impossible for a 7 game series, as the Pens will overpower them. The Rangers failed and they are a very strong shut down team. However i can see the Pens D unit shutting down the Flyers Attacking unit, the strength the Pens have in the likes of Gonchar who has come on a lot in his defensive game since his time in Boston and Washington. Also the likes Orpik, Gill and Scuderi will be all to much. They managed to shut down a Sens team maybe depleted but still some good players in that team. The Rangers as well with the likes of Jagr, Dubinsky, Shannahan, Gomez. To take them in 5 was a great achievement for the Pens and should give them all the confidence in the world.
However the key match up i see is that of the netminders Marc Andre-Fleury and Martin Biron, these two are very solid and two of the best in the business, both can win games for their sides. Biron was one of the main reasons the Flyers did so well this season being solid for the most part. However Fleury not so much before his injury, but after that he has been there with the best in the likes of Nabokov, Turco, Brodeur, Lundqvist, Kiprosoff. He will have to be big and play like he has done all playoffs. Will he step up to the test? Yes he will he has shown that since his return when Ty Conklin was playing so well. Fleury has matured nicely into the netminder we know he can and should be. This is probably the toughest match-up of them all. I think all the games will be close because of these two guys. If Biron is on the top of his game for the majority of the series i can see it going to seven games, he is that good. However i feel the Pens attacking flair is to much and will come out on top and the pressure on Biron will be a lot specially at home.
I have a had a look at the players now probably the key area to any hockey organization the special teams. This is where the Pens begin to show they are light years ahead in hockey terms. A key factor for the Flyers will be if they can stay outta the box because this Penguins Powerplay will hurt you it is the best in the league and the superstars it has just shows how strong they are. The likes of Gonchar, Whitney, Malone, Crosby, Malkin, Sykora, Hossa. If the Flyers want to play tough they have got to do it without taking Penalties or this series could be over quick. Now a look at the other element the penalty kill both teams have a good penalty kill but again its the Pens who edge it. Jordan Staal may not be getting 29 goals like last season but hes doing the stuff which is far more essential, defending and killing penalties this kid is special and the Flyers will have to watch because there PP doesn't boast as much firepower as the Pens. The Pens can really drive home the advantage here.
This series is going to be a good one and its certainly going to have a lot going for it. Its going to be tough but also in that i feel the Flyers have got to stay out of the box or it will be the end for them. The Pens have shown already they can win tough games so i think the Flyers are stuck in a rut here. If the Flyers can stay outta the box it will be the Pens in 6 however if not i will say Pens in 5. A tough series which i am sure everyone like myself can't wait to begin. That's just leaves me to say LETS GO PENS.
If you wish to contact me email me at Britishpensfan@pensunderground.com please feel free to do so.
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