Flyers - Canadiens preview - 05-16-10
Note: We hoped to have this preview up this morning but technical issues prevented us from even having it posted until well after Game 1 of this series. We apologize for the delay.
(7) Flyers vs. (8) Canadiens
Flyers Leading Postseason Scorer: Mike Richards, 17 points (five goals, 12 points).
Canadiens Leading Postseason Scorer: Mike Cammalleri, 18 points (12 goals, six assists).
Penguins Postseason Statistics
Canadiens Postseason Statistics
Flyers with Stanley Cup bling: Chris Pronger.
Canadiens with Stanley Cup bling: Hal Gill, Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez (2), Travis Moen.
Something worthwhile about the Flyers: Flyers coach Peter Laviolette is the only coach remaining in the playoffs with a Stanley Cup ring earned as a head coach. He led the Hurricanes to the 2006 title.
Something worthwhile about the Canadiens: Mike Cammalleri's 12 goals are the third-best total in the Canadiens' postseason history.
Something useless about the Penguins that is vaguely connected to the Flyers : Former Penguins forward Rick Tocchet holds the Flyers' franchise record for penalty minutes with 1817.
Something useless about the Canadiens that is vaguely connected to the Penguins: The last three Canadiens to win the All-Star Game MVP were one-time Penguins. Pete Mahovlich (1976), Mark Recchi (1997) and Alex Kovalev (2009).
Former Penguins on the Flyers: Daniel Carcillo, LW (He was a prospect with the Penguins but never actually played with the NHL club); Sebastien Caron, G; Kevin McCarthy, assistant coach; Joe Mullen, assistant coach; Simon Nolet, scout..
Former Penguins on the Canadiens: Hal Gill, D; Dominic Moore, C; Gordie Roberts, pro scout.
Who needs to be the difference for the Flyers: Scott Hartnell, Daniel Carcillo, James van Riemsdyk. If nothing else, the Flyers will crash the crease consistently. The Canadiens and goaltender Jaroslav Halak have had trouble this postseason when they've had to deal with bodies in front of the net.
Who needs to be the difference for the Canadiens: Who else but Jaroslav Halak (right)? He's been the difference for the Canadiens all playoffs long. If he's not on top of his game, the Canadiens won't advance.
Best Flyers Video We Could Find: Flyers goaltender Ron Hextall jumping Canadiens defenseman Chris Chelios in the 1989 playoffs:
Best Canadiens YouTube Video We Could Find: Canadiens defenseman Larry Robinson taking care of Flyers goon Dave Schultz back in the 1970s:
EN Prediction: They Flyers are consistent in many areas. Unfortunately for them, undisciplined play is one of them. The Flyers are going to make mistakes. And as we've seen the past two weeks, the Canadiens thrive off mistakes by the opposition. Expect them to do the same and advance to the Stanley Cup final. Canadiens 4-2.
(Photos: Halak-Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)