Faceoff Factor

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals Series Preview

Jesse Marshall | National Hockey League

Apr 8, 10:58 PM | Hype this story!

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Capitals(3) vs. Flyers (6) Conference Quarterfinals Preview
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For the series preview, I’ve contacted two experts on the subjects of both Capitals and Flyers hockey. Let’s start with Washington.

The team from On Frozen Blog was kind enough to answer a few questions regarding the upcoming quarterfinals series between the Capitals and the Flyers.

JM: 1. Obviously, Alex Ovechkin had a huge hand in leading the Capitals to the post-season, but who are some of the more “Dark Horse” components of the Capitals that also contributed to this run?

OFB: Brooks Laich’s 21 goals (including 4 GWG) and his consistently tough play have been a big part of the Caps’ surge. Tom Poti has stepped up as the team’s defensive leader, holding together an injury-plagued defense and leading the team in TOI for half their games. Sergei Fedorov has shown he has plenty left in the tank by dominating faceoffs, dishing amazing passes, and assuming the role of elder statesman on a young team—shades of Adam Oates for the Caps’ run to the finals 10 years ago.

JM: 2. Besides Ovechkin, who needs to come up big in the Philadelphia series?

OFB: The Caps’ second line of agitator Matt Cooke, laser-shot Alex Semin, and set-up wizard Sergei Fedorov need to continue their dominance so Philly can’t focus only on the Caps’ top line. Cristobal Huet needs to out-duel Martin Biron in net. And the young defense needs to stay focused and follow the lead of Tom Poti and Mike Green.

JM: 3. Talk about Mike Green for a second. Did Capitals fans expect him to come through so big this season? What type of defenseman do you see him developing into as his career continues to blossom?

OFB: We certainly expected big things of Green, though not this much so soon. His speed and shot make him one of the more dangerous young d-men in the league. He has the scoring potential of a Sergei Gonchar, but with a better positional game defensively—injuries to the Caps’ defense have indirectly helped Green improve his defensive-zone play. Some of his end-to-end rushes have seemed Orr-esque. Green’s career is just starting . . . perhaps down the line people will be comparing young defensive stars to Mike Green.

JM: 4. Name three reasons the Capitals will beat the Flyers.

OFB: 3. Philly’s top 4 scorers are a combined -11. Washington’s top 4 are +75. The Flyers are the most-penalized team in the East; the Caps are the second-least penalized. A Flyers team that is dangerous on the PP but shaky 5-on-5 is playing a team that doesn’t take many penalties—a recipe for a Capitals victory.

2. The Caps are young, but much of the team have played in the AHL under Coach Bruce Boudreau and are veterans of two Calder Cup runs (and one championship). The NHL playoffs are a new challenge, but the team is more battle-tested than many think. And the past month—when they went 11-1-0—has been a must-win playoff atmosphere that forged the Caps into a powerful team-first unit.

1. Five words: Hart Trophy winner Alexander Ovechkin.

Now, for the Flyers preview, we hear from resident Flyers’ expert and Flyersphans regular, Ben Neidigh.

JM: 1. 2 Weeks ago, the Flyers were on the brink of playoff elimination. What players are responsible for turning it around and getting them in?

BN: The addition of Vaclav Prospal helped give Briere a badly needed jumpstart. It was important for Briere to get some confidence back and regain his scoring touch for the stretch run. The return of Mike Richards to the lineup was also paramount to the Flyers stretch run. Not only does he bring scoring and talent to the roster, but he also brings a certain leadership to the ice and the locker room that greatly helps the Flyers. Joffery Lupul who had led the team in hitting before getting injured earlier this season when teammate Derian Hatcher ran into him, has also provided a nice offensive spark to the lineup. Bottom Line, the Flyers have been an unhealthy team for most of the season. The revolving door of players in and out of the lineup was detrimental to the team. Now that the Flyers are getting healthy again, you are starting to see the full potential of what this hockey team has to offer.

JM: 2. What players need to step up in order for the Flyers to beat the Capitals?

BN: Mike Richards- He is the one who leads this team even though he doesn’t wear a C on his sweater. If he plays well the team plays well. Danny Briere- It’s time for him to show fans why the Flyers gave him the big bucks in the off season. He has the talent to score a ton of goals. He needs to elevate his game for the playoffs. Jeff Carter- Since the trade deadline Carter has been playing great. He MUST continue to do so in order for the Flyers to have success. Scott Hartnell- When he is on his game he is one of the top all around players in the league. When he is not, he is just average. Entire Defense- It is important that the defense plays well. The Flyers must limit the amount of shots from the other team. Biron has played very well as of late including 2 shutouts to end the season, but I still question whether or not he is a legitimate #1 goalie.

JM: 3. Has Martin Biron done well enough down the stretch for him to be confident against Alex Ovechkin?

BN: As I mentioned before, it is up to the defense. Biron’s 2 shutouts to end the season were a great way to build confidence, but they also had a lot to do with the Flyers limiting the opponent’s shots and scoring opportunities. Ovechkin is the best player in the NHL, and it isn’t even close right now (Sorry Pens Fans). He can score from anywhere on the ice. He can pick corners, he can make the defense look silly with insane dekes, or he could flat out skate right by most people on the ice. It is the best bet for the Flyers to keep Ovechkin outside and try to give Biron the best opportunity to see the puck and make saves. Easier said than done.

JM: 4. Name three reasons the Flyers will win this series.

BN: 1.Depth- The flyers have six 20+ goal scorers who have played on the team all season long. Seven if you include Prospal who was acquired at the deadline.

2. Toughness- I question whether the Capitals can match the Flyers toughness, and their ability to grind out a 7 game series with the Flyers. Outside of Ovechkin, and Brashear the Capitals roster might not be able to match up well with the Flyers team toughness.

3. Home Ice Advantage?- I have been down to the Verizon Center to see the Flyers play the Caps a few times, and usually there is a significant presence of Flyers fans there, that typically outnumbers the Capitals fans. This could wash away a lot of the home ice advantage that the caps would have.

Thanks to both Ben and On Frozen Blog for the help with this preview!

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Team Numbers
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Standings
Washington: 43-31-8; 94 pts; 1st Southeast; 1st East; 6th NHL
Philadelphia: 42-29-11; 95 pts; 4th Atlantic; 6 Eastern; 11th NHL

Records
Washington: 2-2-0 vs. PHI; 9-1-0 in last 10
Philadelphia: 2-1-1 vs. WSH; 7-2-1in last 10

Special Teams
Washington: PP, 18.8% (10th); PK, 80.5% (25th)
Philadelphia: PP, 21.8% (2nd); PK, 83.2% (10th)

Scoring
Washington: 238 GF (8th); 227 GA (T18th)
Philadelphia: 245 GF (6th); 227 GA (T18th)

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Player Leaders
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Goals
Washington: Ovechkin (65); Semin (26); Laich (21)
Philadelphia: Briere (31); Carter (29); Knuble (29)

Assists
Washington: Backstrom (55); Ovechkin (47); Green (38)
Philadelphia: Richards (47); Briere (41); Umberger (37)

Points
Washington: Ovechkin (112); Backstrom (69); Green (56)
Philadelphia: Richards (75); Briere (72); Knuble (55)

Penalty Minutes
Washington: Brashear (119); Erskine (96); Bradley (74)
Philadelphia: Cote (202); Hartnell (159); Smith (86)

Wins
Washington: Kolzig (25); Huet (11)
Philadelphia: Biron (30); Niittymaki (12)
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Injuries
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Washington: Schultz. (Undisclosed, DTD), Morrisonn (Upper Body, DTD), Nylander (Rotator Cuff, IR), Clark (Groin, IR), Pothier (Head, IR)
Philadelphia: Briere (Knee, DTD), Gagne (Concussion, IR), Rathje (Hip/Back, IR)

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Series Schedule
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All times are in EST.

GAME 1: April 11 Philadelphia @ Washington
7 p.m. ET, VERSUS, TSN

GAME 2: April 13Philadelphia @ Washington 2 p.m. ET, NBC, TSN

GAME 3: April 15 Washington @ Philadelphia
7 p.m. ET, VERSUS, TSN

GAME 4: April 17 Washington @ Philadelphia
7 p.m. ET, VERSUS, TSN

*GAME 5: April 19 Philadelphia @ Washington
1 p.m. ET, NBC, TSN, RDS

*GAME 6: April 21 Washington @ Philadelphia
TBD, VERSUS, TSN

*GAME 7: April 22 Philadelphia @ Washington
TBD, TSN

• = If Necessary