Saturday, April 23, 2011
Posted: 6:30 p.m.
By Jim Jackson
CSNPhilly.com Contributor
So, here we are again. The Flyers are facing elimination and needing multiple wins to avoid the end of their season. Last spring, they faced elimination four times in a row against Boston and won each time to make some history. This time around, they only need back-to-back wins to advance, so there is reason for hope.
If this particular core group has taught us anything, it is to never count them out. When they are up against the odds, they seem to play their best. Thus, while there are many concerning issues, I would expect a desperate performance in Buffalo on Sunday and every chance this series comes back to Philadelphia for a deciding Game 7on Tuesday.
Here are some factors heading into Game 6:
Tending the twine
The Stanley Cup playoffs can be unforgiving. Brian Boucher was rock solid from the time he entered Game 2 through Game 4. He led all playoff goalies in save percentage heading into Friday nights contest in Philadelphia. And then, bang, the wheels fell off.
If this were the regular season, it would be no big deal. Put him back in there and get him right back up on the horse. His 2 games of excellence would trump his half-period lapse.
But this is playoff time. There is no margin for error. Mistakes are magnified, especially from the guys who wear the masks. Thus, Michael Leighton, who saw action in all of one game with the Flyers during the regular season, now steps in as the guy who has to come up big in Game 6.
NHL
Peter Laviolette did not announce his starter. However, I would be shocked if it isnt Leighton, who carried the Flyers to within two wins of the Cup last year after taking over for an injured Boucher in the second round. Can he recreate that magic?
Power play production
The Flyers are now 0 for their last 10 on the power play and 2 for 26 for the series. With all of the close games in this series, just a goal or two more here and there from the Flyers man-advantage unit, and the Flyers would be in charge. But, it hasnt happened.
The analysis of what needs to be done to improve the power play has been going on for much of the season. In reality, there have been signs that it is improving, but theres just no evidence on the scoreboard. While the Flyers are starting to get shots and chances with the power play, its the time of year when results are needed.
And if you want a barometer for the Flyers and their chances of winning, look no further than the power play. Including the playoffs, they are 8 for 133 with the man advantage in the 38 games they have lost this season. Thats a six percent success rate. A power-play goal on Sunday afternoon would obviously be a welcome occurrence, and a sign that a positive result is on the way.
Slimmest margin
There continues to be very little separation between these two clubs. All five games in the series have been decided by one goal, not counting the empty net tally in Game 3. Their two meetings toward the end of the season also yielded one-goal margins of victory.
A bounce here or a bounce there might determine the winner come Sunday. The Flyers have to make their own breaks by playing with desperation. I fully expect that to be the case.
Replacements needed
The landscape in terms of playing rosters is a continually evolving one during a playoff series. Who would have expected Zac Rinaldo making his NHL debut in this series? Who could have forecast Marc-Andre Gragnanis substantial impact after just nine regular-season games with the Sabres? How about three goalies seeing action for the Flyers before five games were even in the books?
Well, that landscape will change again for Game 6. Jason Pominville suffered a cut to his leg on Friday night and is likely lost to the Sabres. He is an important element of their forward contingent. Meanwhile, the Flyers will continue to be without Jeff Carter and in all likelihood Chris Pronger (although, who knows what to believe about his conditionreturn anymore?)
As the playoffs move on, either replacements or players with smaller roles for most of the season have to step up and deliver. Who will that be Sunday?
Road warriors
On the surface, you would think the Sabres are in an enviable position as they head home with a chance to advance to the next round. They have home-ice advantage back.
However, what exactly is home-ice advantage in these playoffs? Visiting teams are 21-14 through Fridays games, including nine wins in 10 games from Wednesday through Friday. For whatever reason, road teams seem to be at an advantage. Some of the players feel it is easier to stick to the system when you are on the road. Adrenaline can lead to players trying to do too much to please the hometown fans.
Of course, the Flyers thrived on the road all season. They set a new franchise record with 25 wins and seemed very comfortable as the visitor. Perhaps, they can rely upon that Sunday afternoon and spoil the party at HSBC Arena, where a celebratory atmosphere is sure to exist, at least early on.
E-mail Jim Jackson at jjackson@comcastsportsnet.com
Related: Flyers' road success plays favorably for Game 6Flyers notes: Decisions due on goalie and Pronger