Playoff Preview: Flyers Take On Capitals

SCHEDULE
GAME 1 – @ WAS – Fri., Apr. 11, 7:00 PM
GAME 2 – @ WAS – Sun., Apr. 13, 2:00 PM
GAME 3 – @ PHI – Tues., Apr. 15, 7:00 PM
GAME 4 – @ PHI – Thurs., Apr. 17, 7:00 PM
*GAME 5 – @ WAS – Sat., Apr. 19, 1:00 PM
*GAME 6 – @ PHI – Mon., Apr. 21, Time TBD
*GAME 7 – @WAS – Tues., Apr. 22, Time TBD
*if necessary

CAPITAL REVIEW
The Washington Capitals were one of the most active teams this year at the trade deadline. They acquired current starting goalie Cristobal Huet from Montreal for only a second round pick. They got seasoned veteran Sergei Federov from Columbus as well but the Caps were already a strong team. They made quite a run after that to contest the Carolina Hurricanes for the Southeastern Division leader, a position they eventually achieved.

Obviously the most astounding aspect of the Capitals is the play of perhaps the best player in the NHL, Alexander Ovechkin. An all-around player, Ovechkin finished the 2007-07 campaign with 112 points (65 goals 47 assists). How about the second leading scorer for Washington? Ovie nearly doubled him up. It was rookie Nicklas Backstrom who finished with 69 points.

KEYS TO THE SERIES
This Capitals team is not as deep as many in the Eastern Conference. They have a few strong players but by far their best player is Alexander Ovechkin. If the Flyers can shut him down they will put themselves in excellent position to advance.
Goaltending has been an issue at times this year for the Flyers, but not now. Marty Biron enters his first playoff series coming off two straight shutouts against two top teams in the East in New Jersey and Pittsburgh. His confidence needs to be sky high going in to the post season. On the other side, Cristobal Huet has won his last eight decisions and also goes into the playoffs red hot.

SCRATCHED UP
Washington

Jeff Schultz D Day-to-Day Undisclosed Injury

Shaone Morrisonn D Day-to-Day Upper Body

Michael Nylander C Injured Reserve Torn Left Rotator Cuff

Philadelphia

Danny Briere C Day-to-Day Knee

Derian Hatcher D Day-to-Day Leg

Simon Gagne LW Injured Reserve Mild Concussion

PREDICTION
Flyers in 6

In depth NHL playoff coverage coming up this week.

THE SEASON SERIES

November 2, 2007

Flyers win 3-2.

November 23, 2007

Capitals win in overtime 4-3.

January 13, 2008

Flyers win 6-4.

February 6, 2008

Capitals win 4-3.