Pennsylvania and the Prince of Wales

Mike Wilson | National Hockey League

Apr 29, 02:00 AM | Hype this story!

The two hockey clubs from the Keystone state are doing very well for themselves in the playoffs, and, being in each other’s opposing series, it is becoming more and more possible to see a Pennsylvania Eastern Conference Championship.

While all the Faceoff-Factor crew picked Montreal, there is a chance, despite picks, that it could go the way of the Flyers.

Philadelphia played a good game in Montreal for game one. The Flyers certainly had some tough breaks, but still managed to keep the Canadiens on their toes. A truly triumphant victory followed for Philadelphia as they played tough in game two and pulled off a win in front of the Montreal home crowd.

On Pittsburgh’s end, they went sweeping through the Senators and are currently 2-0 against the Rangers. Their ‘never say die’ attitude earned them a game-one win after being down 3-0.

So what do these teams need to do if they do want to meet in the conference finals? And what are they doing so right currently that
has them in such a position?

Philadelphia:

The Flyers and Canadiens are perhaps the two most different teams in these playoffs. Montreal is a finesse team who relies on offense and a young goaltender. Philadelphia is a very physical team who does the hard work in the trenches and relies on more experienced goaltenders.

Carey Price has seen a lot of black and orange in front of his mask and a little physicality in the crease won’t ease his discomfort.

Pittsburgh:

Not much is going wrong in Pittsburgh. Even when the momentum isn’t going their way, the Penguins still manage to turn the tide. Goaltending has been solid, defense is standing tall, and the offense is exploding.

Special teams have been the key with Pittsburgh as both the penalty kill and the power plays have been successful in times when most needed.

So the answer to the question of what these teams have to do to keep their playoff run going is simple: more of the same. If the Flyers can stay physical against the Canadiens and the Penguins can keep their special teams to the maximum, Pennsylvania will still be hockey country in May.

With the Flyers’ win Monday, they are one step closer to the conference finals.

The Penguins and Rangers play today.

Comments

  1. DaBich

    Apr 29, 05:51 AM

    I DON’T want to play Philly. Go Montreal! lol

  2. Ashley Gallant

    Apr 29, 10:32 AM

    I’m with Dabich – I’d like to see Philly pack it in soon.

    If Montreal wants a chance at winning the series, they have to get some bodies in front of Biron. He’s able to see every single puck coming at him, which is why he is stopping everything that Montreal is throwing at him.

    The Habs also need to stop being afraid of the Flyers and to think that they are better than Philly.

    Watching that series is frustrating..

  3. DaBich

    Apr 29, 10:36 AM

    it sure is, Ash. I had it on last night and was frustrated, and I’m NOT a Habs fan LOL.

  4. Ben Schmidt

    Apr 29, 12:03 PM

    I had a tough time making picks for all four matchups in this round. I think all four teams are strong, and was wavering on several of my choices. In the end, I picked Montreal due to superior skill, but if the Flyers have gotten into Price’s head, then I don’t see them lasting too much longer.

    This is where the Canadiens learn if they made a huge mistake by relying on two rookie goaltenders in the playoffs. If Price can pull himself together, they’ll be a tough team to beat.

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