All is relatively quiet on the Flyers front as they get ready to open their second round series with the Boston Bruins today. The past few days have been filled with references to last postseason's matchup that saw the Flyers stage a historic comeback that no one reading site this needs further reminding about. But, the players themselves aren't too focused on 2010, which despite its unforgettable place in team history, is only a footnote in the current series once the first puck drops. Fans can and should enjoy The Comeback at any opportunity though, particularly when the trash talk gets going. It's hard to imagine the players won't be chirping about it too.
Here's a look at some of the other storylines heading into the series, including the odds the Flyers are being given to advance, and win the Cup.
Simon Gagne factored heavily into the Flyers' last series win over the Bruins, but his second round has begun on a very scary note. Gags was hit hard into the boards and tossed to the ice, with his head bouncing on impact. He was alert and talking in the locker room after refusing the stretcher, but with Gags' concussion history there's certainly added concern. Hell, watch the impact. He didn't need to have history for this to be a worry. [Puck Daddy]
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The Lightning did still win that game, beating the Capitals, 4-2.
Beyond last year's matchup, here's a look at how teams have fared in the second round in a historical sense. [The Checking Line]
How glad are you that Flyers hometown broadcasts aren't dominated by the egos of their broadcasters. Can you imagine having to listen to Jack Edwards on a regular basis? [Broad Street Hockey]
Ryan gets a few shots in before the opening faceoff. [Flyers Goal Scored By]
News
Perhaps the biggest difference between last year's series and this one is that the Flyers will face Tim Thomas instead of Tuukka Rask. Meanwhile, two current Flyers who played on opposing sides in the Stanley Cup Finals no longer have lockers at the Skate Zone. [CSNPhilly]
Thinking about heading down to the game today? The Flyers have released some of the NHL's unused tickets, which are available here, or call 215-218-PUCK.
Finally, the odds for the series and the Stanley Cup. We have these courtesy of www.Bodog.com.
Odds to win the 2011 Stanley Cup
Vancouver Canucks 11/4
Washington Capitals 4/1
San Jose Sharks 5/1
Detroit Red Wings 11/2
Boston Bruins 8/1
Philadelphia Flyers 8/1
Tampa Bay Lightning 12/1
Nashville Predators 14/1
Odds to win the 2011 Eastern Conference
Washington Capitals 7/5
Philadelphia Flyers 7/2
Boston Bruins 11/4
Tampa Bay Lightning 9/2
Odds to win the 2011 Western Conference
Vancouver Canucks 7/5
San Jose Sharks 5/2
Detroit Red Wings 5/2
Nashville Predators 7/1
What will be the Matchup in the Stanley Cup Final?
Washington Capitals vs. Vancouver Canucks 9/2
Washington Capitals vs. San Jose Sharks 6/1
Washington Capitals vs. Detroit Red Wings 13/2
Washington Capitals vs. Nashville Predators 17/1
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Vancouver Canucks 10/1
Philadelphia Flyers vs. San Jose Sharks 13/1
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Detroit Red Wings 14/1
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Nashville Predators 35/1
Boston Bruins vs. Vancouver Canucks 9/1
Boston Bruins vs. San Jose Sharks 12/1
Boston Bruins vs. Detroit Red Wings 13/1
Boston Bruins vs. Nashville Predators 30/1
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Vancouver Canucks 12/1
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. San Jose Sharks 16/1
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings 18/1
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Nashville Predators 42/1
Series Prices
Washington Capitals -190
Tampa Bay Lightning +165
Philadelphia Flyers -110
Boston Bruins -110
Vancouver Canucks -255
Nashville Predators +215
San Jose Sharks -110
Detroit Red Wings -110
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins Player Props
Claude Giroux 2nd Round Points vs. Boston Bruins
Over/ Under 5
Danny Briere 2nd Round Points vs. Boston Bruins
Over/ Under 5
Mike Richards 2nd Round Points vs. Boston Bruins
Over/ Under 4
David Krejci 2nd Round Points vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Over/ Under 4.5
Milan Lucic 2nd Round Points vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Over/ Under 4
Patrice Bergeron 2nd Round Points vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Over/ Under 4
Zdeno Chara 2nd Round Points vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Over/ Under 3
We'll be back with a gamethread a little closer to puck drop. Until then, an oldie but a goodie, Bruins Escalator Girl.