flyers game
The Flyers are as tough and gritty as any team in the NHL Playoffs. They own the most potent power play. They can score with anyone. They boast the postseason's current MVP in Claude Giroux. Still, the Flyers have one major flaw...
flyers game
Great teams don't take nights off. The Flyers have already called out of three contests this postseason. It's become painfully obvious the Flyers need a reason to play at their very best, because "winning" apparently isn't cutting it.
flyers game
Against the Penguins in Round 1, the Flyers had years of hatred and disdain pushing them to greatness. Watching 90% of the "experts" pick the Penguins to dispose of the Flyers and reach the Stanley Cup Finals certainly helped, too. On top of that, the Flyers (and their fans) sincerely despise Sidney Crosby. The opportunity to send the Penguins home early from the playoffs was all the motivation the Flyers needed to elevate their game.
flyers game
Then, after the Flyers had pummeled the Penguins into submission and grabbed a 3-0 series lead, the Flyers lost interest. They had proved they were the better team. The Penguins were groveling for mercy. The Flyers needed a new challenge. What the Flyers forgot, though, is you can't take days off in the playoffs. As a result of the Flyers lack of urgency, the Penguins battled back to force a critical Game 6 in Philadelphia. The stakes were raised again. The Flyers had a reason to play. Urgency returned and the Flyers crushed the Penguins.
flyers game
Fast-forward to Sunday's victory against the Devils in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. It was obvious the Flyers were missing the same urgency they showed in Game 6 against Pittsburgh. The Devils came out sharp, controlled the puck and took a 1-0 lead into the 1st intermission. Again, the Flyers found themselves up against the wall. Urgency returned, the Flyers battled aggressively for the next 40 minutes of regulation before dominating overtime and getting the victory on Danny Briere's rocket from just inside the blue line.
flyers game
flyers game
flyers game
flyers game
