Flyers-Bruins, back for more

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Round two begins Saturday, April 30, and many people have been awaiting this matchup for nearly a year.   The Bruins and Flyers will meet for the second straight post season, and the Bruins are looking for “Retribution.”
In last season’s historic Stanley Cup finals run for the Flyers, the second round saw them meet the Bruins. But after the black and gold took a 3-0 series lead, the Flyers battled back to win four straight and advance to the next round.   It’s been a long time in coming, and the majority of both teams have returned for the rematch
It’ll likely be a hard fought battle, as neither team dispatched their first round opponents easily.   Both took all seven games to decide their winners, including overtimes, injuries, and goalie changes along the way.
The Flyers finished ahead of the Bruins, in the regular season, by 3 points in the standings, but in the four regular season games they played against one another, the Bruins won three and the only loss came in overtime in Boston.   The Bruins should be the favorites to win the series and move on.   If the Flyers want to win, there are three key elements that they’ll need in the series.
Goaltending
The Bruins are packing the best goaltender in the NHL right now in, likely Vezina winner, Tim Thomas.   He finished the regular season with a 2.00 goals against average, he set a regular season record with a .938 save percentage, and he backstopped 9 shutouts, one of which came against the Flyers.
The Flyers, on the other hand, saw a trio of netminders parade in and out of their net.   When the music stopped, veteran Brian Boucher, had control of the pipes, and he was a big part of the teams game seven win.   He will get the start in round two, but if he can’t keep his net clear of bad goals, the rookie, Sergei Bobrovsky, will come in relief.
A good goaltender can equalize a series, but in the case of the Flyers and Bruins, who are so equally matched, Boucher will need to play up to Thomas’ standard to give his team a chance.
Special Teams
Neither of these two teams can boast much on the power play.   In fact, the Bruins set a record as the first team to win a playoff series without potting a power play goal, going 0-for-21 on the man-advantage.   And in game seven, against Montreal, they gave up a 2-0 and a 3-2 lead on two power play goals and a shortie, before needing overtime to decide the series.
The Flyers were able to show some life on the man-advantage, potting two goals in their game seven, against the Sabres.   But throughout the regular season and playoffs, it’s been desolate, only showing signs of life in the occasional game followed by a streak of zeroes.
Physical Play
Both the Flyers and Bruins had a decided size advantage over their first round opponents.   This matchup finds a slight advantage towards the Bruins, but both are equally aggressive in the corners and in front of the net, seeing the likes of behemoths Chris Pronger on one end, and Zdeno Chara on the other.   The hit counter, net-mouth scuffles, and penalties will be a deciding factor in the series.
Along with physical play comes momentum.   A big hit can settle a crowd or pump up a bench and turn the tides of a game.   Whoever can set the tone and keep momentum will take control.
If the Flyers can pull it all together, equalize the goaltending matchup, get the better of the special teams play, and control the physicality and momentum, they’ll likely win, but need all seven games to do it.   Otherwise, this season could see the Bruins getting their “Retribution,” and playing for the Eastern Conference championship.   Either way, this should be an explosive best-of-seven.
Contact Chuck.Tay@prohockeynews.com
Photographer Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com