NHL Eastern Finals Preview

(7)Philadelphia vs (8) Montreal

It hardly gets any nuttier in the NHL than this. The Philadelphia Flyers won a shootout on the last day of the regular season to make the Stanley Cup playoffs. After dismantling New Jersey in five games, all they did was become the third team in league history to come back and win a series after trailing 3-0. Yawn. Oh, and for good measure they were also just the third team in NHL history to trail by three goals in a Game 7 and still emerge the winner of the contest. (The first to do so in regulation however) Double Yawn.

The Montreal Canadiens are the most storied hockey team in history with the 24 Cup championships and all they did was become the first eighth seed to win a series down three games to one and follow that up by beating the defending champions Pittsburgh, having never led in the series until winning the seventh and deciding game. (Oh how common)
As truly wacky as this has been, the real fun starts now for the players and coaches, because the winner qualifies to play for Lord Stanley’s trophy.

Despite the stakes, one or both teams could crack from being physically and emotionally spent. Montreal has played two max series and faced elimination five times without wilting; can they muster up enough energy to continue? At least the Canadiens have been off since Wednesday, while Philadelphia has to lace up the skates less than 48 hours after one of the most improbable comebacks ever, what emotion can they bring to the rink to start the series?

When the playoffs first started, Montreal was going to be overwhelmed at the forward position, so much for that belief. They have skillfully used lack of size to their advantage, being quicker to the puck to dig it out against the boards, while being elusive enough to be stay away from big hits and get worn down.

Mike Cammalleri is the “terminator” for opposing playoff teams with 12 goals in 14 games (plus six assists) and he has been the most dominant offensive performer in the postseason. Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta are seasoned veterans having played most of their careers in Philly and they know what to expect.

P.K. Subban has emerged as a key member of the Canadiens' defense, blocking shots and standing up offensive players and goalie Jaroslav Halak has been unflappable as his demeanor has never lent itself to panic, despite all the obstacles.

Mike Richards, Daniel Briere and Simon Gagne have carried the offense load for the Flyers, each making significant contributions in the Boston gag-fest. They have the size and skill to make trouble for Montreal.

On the subject of size, is it clear now why Philadelphia traded future prospects for Chris Pronger. The long time defenseman is said to be too slow and lumbering to play at 35 years old, but he has logged the most ice time of any player at nearly 30 minutes a game and all he does is add to winning teams and has 11 points in a dozen playoff games.

Netminder Michael Leighton is being thrust into the spotlight. He doesn’t have to be better than the Habs Halak; he just has to be as good, which could be a tall order in its own right.
Both teams have been relentless in killing penalties and above average in man-advantage situations. Philadelphia is bit more prone to taking silly penalties and if Montreal is to advance to finals, they must capitalize in this area.

The Flyers are bigger, deeper and generally more skilled (this is old news to the Canadiens) and have to keep their wits about them and contain Cammalleri and make Halak uncomfortable in his net.

There is no surprise factor for either team, thus the better club that plays smarter and with more skill will move on. With not much to choose from, let’s ride the hot goaltender and slick assassin around the goal and take Montreal.

3Daily Winners Pick- Montreal (-115) in six over Philadelphia (-105)