Reason To Believe - Wednesday, May 07, 2008
133 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   Crosby. Malkin. Hossa. The names have certainly brought fear and loathing to fans in Ottawa and New York throughout the post-season. For good reason. Pittsburgh doesn't just have one star or a couple snipers. It have four lines of troublemakers, led by its three big scorers. Watching the Rangers defenders trying to stay sound as the Penguin forwards buzzed the net was almost laughable. Somewhere, Brad Park was covering his eyes.

   The Flyers enter their conference finals series with the Penguins having relied heavily on goaltender Martin Biron to mask some of their post-season defensive shortcomings. Unlike stretches of the regular season, when Philadelphia would allow rivals to launch 35-40 shots on goal, with substantial trouble ensuing, Biron has been outstanding, no matter how many times he is peppered with pucks. If that salvo continues against the Penguins, it will be hard for Biron to continue his amazing play. The law of averages will catch up at some point.

   That means it's up to the Flyers' defense to be more involved in preventing shots, rather than putting it all on Biron. And it can happen. Maybe not in every game, but the key will be to be as physical as possible, especially with the Penguin stars. Comments coming from the western part of the state make it seem as if Pittsburgh is already a little wary of playing against the rough-and-tumble Flyers. We already saw how concerned they are about their PA rivals when they lost the season finale on purpose to avoid the Flyers. It seems like this team is a little soft and can be knocked around some.

   Now, the Flyers can't get too chippy and take a bunch of penalties, because putting Crosby and Malkin on the power play is a recipe for disaster. Stupid penalties -- which have been a problem during the post-season -- can't be tolerated. Physical play, however, is a must. If Philadelphia lets the Penguins get comfortable and skate around like dervishes, Biron doesn't stand a chance, no matter how amazing he has been.

   This is a formidable challenge, but one which can be overcome. The key is for the Flyers to play a ferocious, but smart, game from the opening puck drop. Do that, and they just might break the Penguins' spirit.

   And keep the improbable season moving on.