Devils should be worried
Flyers 4, Devils 3 (OT)
Devils should be worried
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
The Flyers won a game, just a game, just one of the four games that they will need in order to get past the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. But the way it happened should leave the Devils wondering -- because this was a great chance for them to take the series opener, and they didn't.
Think about it. The Devils had the first 11 shots of the game -- the Flyers didn't have one for almost exactly 10 minutes -- but they only had a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period. Part of that was because Ilya Bryzgalov was very good at the start. Part of it was because the Devils weren't good enough.
Then the Flyers came back. They began to take over the play in a very significant way in the second period, and they only gave it up sporadically after that. Their forecheck was relentless. Whatever rustiness they had acquired over a week-long layoff following their first-round victory over Pittsburgh was gone. If Bryzgalov hadn't allowed Petr Sykora to rifle a shot between his pads in the third period, the Flyers would have won in regulation.
But the Devils could not take advantage of Bryz, just as they could not take advantage of the Flyers' slow start. You do not advance in the playoffs if you do not take advantage of opportunites, and the Devils whiffed on both of those in Game 1.
Then there are the side issues. Danny Briere, with two goals -- including the game-winner in OT -- continues to be a post-season magician; bad for the Devils. Claude Giroux, with a slapshot goal from the half-boards on a power play, continues to lead by leading; bad for the Devils. Ilya Kovalchuk, the Devils' premier scoring threat, did not have a shot on goal and was a minus-2.
Repeat after me:
Bad for the Devils.
Someone asked Devils coach Peter DeBoer about taking too many penalties (six), and he said that wasn't the reason the Devils lost. He said, "They took the game over in the second half. And when you're just hanging on, that's what happens."
One game, yes. But it seemed -- for many reasons, but mostly because the Flyers were able to dictate their style of play -- like more than that.
JVR was one of the best 3 Flyers on the ice. Bryz was very good in the first...but am I the only one who thinks that all 3 Devils goals were VERY stoppable?— flyers1313- I may be jinxing the team by becoming a bit overconfident, but after watching the game today I predict the Flyers will win in 5!— otown philly fan
- @flyers1313...short answer...YES! The first goal was a one-timer from 10 feet. Snuck it 13 hole (between the arm and body). The second goal was a cross-crease pass, and Bryzgalov got a good piece of it. Only in Philly does a goalie get blamed for those.— Hexy4GM
- There is no way this team wins a cup with Bryz in goal. Yes he was studly in the first period..keeping the Flyers in it until they got their game going. Ive watched tons of hockey over the years, and especially in the playoffs it doesnt matter how many great saves a goalie makes if he regularly allows softees in. Softees on a regular basis will end up hurting you more than the great saves made will help you. Remember Ron Hextall? He made some unreal stops then let in a killer softee too often and they never could quite win the cup with him. Its a shame because the Flyers offense has got it going (and D is playing much better than I thought without Pronger and Mezaros) but no go with this guy in goal for us. (winning the cup) Once the Flyers play a team (Rangers) with a real goalie who is hot...they will lose in 5 because of Bryz. As for the NJ comparison to 2000...I remember that but the teams are night and day. The Devils were a much better team than the Flyers in 2000 but stumbled in the first 4 games of the series. Once they recovered and played Devils hockey, the Flyers didnt win another game and blew the 3-1 lead. This Flyers team is the better team, and as long as Bryz doesnt mess things up this round a repeat of 2000 shouldnt happen. Then again..thats why they play the games.— Big D phillies fan
- Flyers1313...you are correct, the last 2 goals were very stoppable. Hexy neglects to point out that the cross ice tip in, while a difficult shot to stop, came about as a result of the 51 million dollar goalie being unable to stop the puck behind his net, and then being slow to get back in the crease. And he ignore the 3rd goal, a softee thru the 5 hole where his stick was being held out to his right instead of protecting the low shot between the legs. Bryz was bad again, and if he does not get his act together there is no way the Flyers will be able to get past the Rangers.— blaqjaq
- I really wonder if some of you are watching the same game...every goal is not the goalies fault...im not gonna make excuses like coartsy, I'll call it like it is...one bad goal, the last goal...aside from that Bryz was fine...in today's NHL you need 4 to win, yesterday's you need 3...if our goalie gives up 3 goals, i dont care if his save percentage is .1...the team has a chance to win...contrary to media belief, not every goal is Bryz's fault, most are a product of our system— Joey1233
- Bryz kept us in the game. Great saves. Yes, bad third goal but it happens to all goalies. Look at Rinne who gave up 5 tonight and Smith gave up 3. Go Bryz. I'm rooting for you. Love this team but remember - one game at a time. NJ has very talented players and Brodeur, while older, is still great. Let's Go Flyers! Ignore any hype and just play your game.— Cali7
- The first goal was not a bad goal... The second goal was partly on Bryzgalov, but it's not that he was "slow" to get back in net (not this time, at least). He tried to stop the hard wrap-around, missed, and bumped into the post while swinging back into the net. Unfortunate. But the hard wrap-around was picked up immediately by an unchecked Devil and passed in front immediately to an unchecked Devil. Bryzgalov was a bit off balance from bumping into the post but still got across and nearly stopped the shot. (Just because a puck trickles in doesn't make it a bad goal.) He could have stopped it, but it would have been a great save... The third goal was a bad goal. On a partial breakaway like that, Bryzgalov needs to step out a bit because the skater doesn't have the time & space to deke; plus, Bryzgalov brought his stick up and to the right too quickly. Still, it was a partial breakaway by a top scorer who picked his spot. It's not the worst bad goal... But against the best competition, the margin for error WILL be smaller. The Flyers would need those big saves... My hope lies in that Bryzgalov's technique and mobility have been excellent at times and I still think his emotions are the deciding variable. Now, figuring those out.... Any suggestions?— PhilaLogic
- Oh Danny boy!
- The real cause of the 3rd Devils goal was Coburn's decision to make an offensive rush instead of just dumping it in and playing DEFENSE, which I'm assuming is his primary job on the team. Lavy needs to address that, and other sloppiness in order to prep for the Rangers. If so, we gotta a chance; if not, better luck next year.— riskman
- Accurate but debatable. Coburn saw an opportunity. A forward has to have the position properly covered. Coburn has been awesome all over the ice in every playoff game. He should take any chance he has. Now, up 3-2 midway through the third, you can say he should be more conservative. That's fair. But that kind of thinking is also how leads get lost. He got the puck deep by carrying it in. You simply want the puck deep on every rush, especially with a lead. A forward was out of position. That's what needs to be addressed on that play. — PhilaLogic
- I think in terms of talent, Flyers are at the top among the remaining teams now. When they played Pens, it was basically even talent-wise. So, in theory, I expect Flyers to dominate the puck and allow goals only on penalties, turnovers and quick counters. That's exactly what happened in this game (hat-trick!) Devils are in huge trouble - they can't match up and need to hope for Flyers mistakes. Rangers fans say they are hoping to play Flyers next - Devils were tougher for them in reg season. But this is absolutely different Flyers team. Fun to watch, puck control, offensive zone domination - sometimes feels like I am watching Detroit or Pittsburgh of a few years back. If they continue like that, this will be a special year indeed!— glroark
- Did anyone notice the atrocious puck handling and giveaways by Bryz in the 1st period......looked like he was asleep also— PhillyCrab
- @Riskman, the reason the Flyers score so many goals is that they are agressive and their D-men make runs, yes it can expose you to fast breaks but thats the risk you take.— furio
- Folks stop worrying....this series is an easy 4-5 games. Devs stink..no offense Brodeur a shell of his past self. An easy draw for the Flyers. Sit back and relax even BRYZ cant lose this series. But after that the real playoffs begin...Bryz vs Lundqvist or any of the 4 goalies in the West is a mismatch....Thats when it will be time to worry not now— flyers1000
