The Flyers were viewed as the underdog from the beginning.
Not because they were the #7 seed, but because they were going head-to-head with a very defensive team, as a team that had trouble scoring goals.
The consensus was that the Devils would win in 5 or 6.
Well...those experts aren't that smart now, are they?
The Flyers took it to the Devils physically, mentally, and on the scoreboard to take the series in 5 games.
Using a consistent forecheck and a frustrating defense against the likes of Illya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise, and Travis Zajac, the Flyers were able to shut down the Devils and get into the head of future Hall-of-Famer Martin Brodeur.
The Devils looked stunned each time series MVP Brian Boucher made a save. Boosh had not played in a playoff game since 2002, and looks like he has regained the form when he carried the Flyers to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2000.
In 5 games...Boosh went 4-1 with a 1.59 GAA and a .940 SV%.
One word can only describe Boucher's play.
Unreal.
At the opposite crease, Martin Brodeur went 1-4 with a 3.01 GAA and a .876 SV%.
Not exactly Hall-of-Fame numbers.
Regardless, the Flyers now await their next opponent, with last night's developments, can only be the Washington Capitals or the Boston Bruins.
Washington looked like it would cruise past 8th seeded Montreal after 5 games. They now find themselves faced with a Game 7, trying to figure out how to get a puck past Jaroslav Halak's unbelievable goaltending.
If Washington gets past Montreal, the Flyers will beat them.
Washington has been worn down in this series, and the Caps seem to be forcing more plays rather than letting them happen. Seymeon Varlamov and Jose Theodore have not been stellar between the pipes, and the defensive woes that the Caps have struggled with all year are being exploited.
Basically, the Caps are tired, mentally and physically.
With how well the Flyers played against a strong defensive team with a potent scoring threat, it's hard not to believe that it is a winnable series.
However, Boston is a different story.
The Bruins had "a snowball's chance in hell" of beating the Buffalo Sabres.
Buffalo is one of the strongest defensive teams in the East, with Olympic Silver Medalist Ryan Miller protecting the pipes.
Needless to say, with Boston having the 2nd worst goals-per-game average in the NHL, Buffalo was expected to basically run the Bruins out of Boston.
Then, they met Tuukka Rask.
Rask was acquired as part of the trade that sent former Calder Trophy winner Andrew Raycroft to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2006.
A lot of heat was given to Toronto management by Leaf Nation, as Rask was one of the best goalie prospects in years, with many fans saying they just gave away the goalie of the future.
The fans couldn't have been more right.
Tuukka Rask stole the starting job from last year's Vezina winner in Tim Thomas, and has been nothing short of stellar between the pipes.
Rask out-shined Ryan Miller, as the Bruins took the series in 6.
After the Bruins clinched the series, their play-by-play announcer said "Snowball -1, Hell - 0."
The Bruins used a very physical style to wear down the Sabres, and were able to knock Ryan Miller off his game.
Although Miller did have a decent series, Rask was better in every aspect, and is carrying the team on his back.
And as well as the Flyers are playing, they have never fared well against the Bruins or Rask.
Rask has only played 2 games against the Flyers in his short career, but is 1-0-1 with a 1.92 GAA and a .944 SV%. His performance against the Flyers in March during a 5-1 victory was one of the best of the season.
While I believe the Flyers would beat the Bruins if they played them, it would be a demanding and tough series.
Both Washington and Boston play very physical styles, but the Bruins are a much more defensive-oriented team.
The Flyers did not have a winning record over the Bruins or the Caps this year, however the playoffs is a brand new season, and the Flyers are well-rested.
Whomever the Flyers play, this upcoming series will determine who will represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Let's just hope that the Flyers' foot fits in Cinderella's shoe.
Until next week, keep your stick on the ice.
**Eastern Conference Results (4/26)**
Capitals vs. Canadiens, Series tied 3-3
Flyers defeat Devils 4-1 Bruins defeat Sabres 4-2 Penguins defeat Senators 4-2
**Western Conference Results (4/26)**
Sharks defeat Avalanche 4-2 Blackhawks defeat Predators 4-2 Canucks defeat Kings 4-2
Coyotes vs. Red Wings, Series tied 3-3
**Semi-Finals Matchups**
East:
Flyers vs. Caps/Bruins
Penguins vs. Bruins/Canadiens
West:
Sharks vs. Red Wings/Coyotes
Blackhawks vs. Canucks
Caption of the Week:
Flyers' Ian Laperriere after blocking a puck with his face for the 2nd time this season. Only one word can sum this up...
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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