At the beginning of the Playoffs, who could have seen the Flyers coming? A team that got into the playoffs on the last day of the regular season is now representing the Eastern Conference in the Cup Finals. They did it by beating one of the best playoff goalies of all time (Marty Brodeur), coming back from 3-0 down in a series, and beating the team not even the Caps or Pens could figure out. Quite the playoff run so far for the Flyers, eh? Now, on the other hand, nobody is surprised to see the Hawks at this stage. Chicago has been one of the best and most consistent teams in the NHL this year, and their depth and talent was expected to carry them far in the playoffs. Lets not delve too far into how these teams got to this point, lets see how they matchup for this series.
Goaltending:
Between the pipes was supposed to be an area of weakness for both of these teams when the playoffs started. Lets start with Chicago. Antti Niemi began the year playing second-fiddle to starter Cristobal Huet, but proved too good to sit on the bench. After a very good rookie year (albeit with some shaky performances), Niemi was named the starter for the playoffs and has run with it. The young finnish netminder stopped 44 shots twice against San Jose's powerful offensive attack.
In the other crease, Michael Leighton came back from a high-ankle sprain in the second round to save the day after starter Brian Boucher went down with a sprained MCL. Leighton has embraced his opportunity and given Philly brick wall performances. After relieving Boucher, Leighton has posted playoff-best numbers (6-1 record, 3 shutouts, 1.48 GAA, .948 Sv. Pctg.) and has instilled confidence in his team.
Listen, although he's only been a part of 8 playoff games in his career, I'm a believer in Leighton. While Niemi has played great for the Hawks, I'm still not quite the believer in him due to his knack for giving up soft goals in crucial situations.
EDGE: Philadelphia
Defense:
The Blackhawks were one of the best defensive teams all year, while the Flyers struggled to find a rhythm on the blueline for most of the season. Each of these teams has a great amount of both talent and depth on the blueline, which could make this a defensive-minded series (despite the offensive firepower). Peter Laviolette and Joel Quenville will have the opportunity to send their top pairings onto the ice to negate the other team's top forward line all series, so look for those consistent matchups.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Chris Pronger is a monster. With apologies to many of the Blackhawks great players, Pronger is the best player in this series. His calm demeanor with the puck, nastiness in his own zone, and booming shot from the point make him a threat all over the ice. Pronger will be backed up by a very deep defensive unit that includes shut-down guys as well as puck movers (Kimmo Timonen).
The Blackhawks lack the Pronger-like experience from their top blueliners, but they aren't too far behind in skill and nastiness. Duncan Keith will likely win the Norris Trophy as this season's top defenseman, and partner Brent Seabrook brings the Pronger-like nastiness needed for playoff action. If Philly is considered "deep," Chicago must be...insert word for "deeper than deep." That top pair will be accompanied by the best 3-6 defensemen in the sport, making it tough for Philly to get good looks.
EDGE: Despite their talent and depth, the Hawks don't have the "Pronger factor." Philly narrowly wins this category.
Forwards:
Again, depth and skill are two words that describe both of these teams. Philly is fully healthy after battling injuries to their top forward all season. Chicago hasn't had to deal with as many injuries, but they are every bit as talented and deep up front as their Eastern Conference counterpart.
After going without Simon Gagne, Jeff Carter, and Ian Laperriere for much of the first 3 rounds, the Flyers finally have all three back and healthy. Gagne proved to be the difference in the Bruins series, coming back to pot two game-winners. Meanwhile, Carter was the boost needed to help solve Jaroslav Halak and Laperriere provided a huge emotional lift to the team and the fans with his quick return. The Flyers, when healthy, are among the 3 or 4 most talented offensive teams in the entire NHL...and they're healthy. Chicago has the resources and pieces needed to negate some of the Flyers' bite, but it won't be easy.
On the other side, you've got another of the 3 or 4 most talented teams up front. Jonathon Toews is the Conn Smythe Trophy winner thus far, Dustin Byfuglien refuses to be stopped, Patrick Kane has played well, and Dave Bolland has earned his nickname "the rat" for getting under opponents skin (oh, and he has five goals). Chicago presents even more matchup problems for opposing defenses than the Flyers do. They have three lines that can score and one of the best checking lines in the entire league (led by defensive whiz John Madden and basher Ben Eager). I'm looking forward to seeing how effective the Toews-Kane line will be against Pronger and Co.
EDGE: Chicago
SERIES PREDICTION: The Pronger "no is not an option" factor puts the Flyers over the top. Chicago is as talented a team as there is in the league, and they'll make it one of the best Cup Finals in recent memory, but this is Philly's year. Flyers in six
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