Laviolette eyes Finals; Pronger-Byfuglien matchup looms
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Flyers Report: Broad Street Bull
Laviolette eyes Finals; Pronger-Byfuglien matchup looms
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
After the Flyers won the Eastern Conference title with a rivetting 4-2 victory over Montreal on Monday, winning coach Peter Laviolette looked ahead to his team's ultimate goal _ bringing home its first Stanley Cup since 1975.
Asked what it would take to defeat the favored Chicago Blackhawks, Laviolette didn't blink.
"I'm always a believer if your team can play their style and their system and implement their game, you've got a good chance of winning hockey games," he said. "We'll start preparing for the Chicago Blackhawks, and we'll be ready when the puck drops.
"I know they had a great year," said Laviolette, who directed Carolina to the 2006 Cup, "....But in order for two teams to get this far, I think both teams have to be playing well, so it should be a good series."
Chicago's massive Dustin Byfuglien, a 6-foot-3, 246-pound winger, had three game-winning goals in the Hawks' Western Conference sweep of San Jose.
"He's a big guy. I'll be honest, I haven't looked too much into Chicago yet. That would be a good question for a couple days from now," Laviolette said when asked how the Flyers would contain Byfuglien "But you're right, he's a big man. The goal _ I think the goal he scored to put them in the Finals _ exemplifies what he does best, which is to get to the front of the net."
Laviolette paused.
"We've got a big guy out there too, No. 20. He does a pretty good job of tying guys up in front of the net. So I'm sure they'll see a lot of each other."
Laviolette, of course, was talking about 6-6, 220-pound defenseman Chris Pronger. The Pronger-Byfuglien matchup is just one of the many great storylines of the Finals.
One of the many others: The series will bring together former Blackhawks goalie Michael Leighton and former Flyers forward Patrick Sharp. Chicago gave up on Leighton, much like the Flyers gave up on Sharp.
Now they are thriving with different teams.
Once you get to the Stanley Cup finals, all stats are irrelevant. East vs. West stats are irrelevant. They include games where the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Tampa Bay Lightning...I fail to see how those stats can be relevant? These teams are pretty similar. Offensive depth, tough defense, and a goalie that no sports writer thought could take a team to the Stanley Cup. Although, those very sports writers picked the Flyers to win the cup at the start of the season. That must count for something!— Hexy4GM- I have a question for all the Chicago fans here. I notice that most of you are able to construct full sentences and have a basic command of the English language. This is in contrast to the majority of people who are posting at the various chicago media and fan sites. Are you here because you've given up on them? There is also a considerable absence of hockey knowledge on display there. Comments read as if the posters are already drunk in preparation for Saturday's faceoff, or that they can't focus because they are too busy buying their Blackhawks merchandise so they can give the appearance of being true fans. I am finding very few people who know the stars from the '92 team or the teams from the '80s. There is a distinct sense that any people who have knowledge of the team prior to 2009 died some time ago. Nobody yet has claimed that Michael Jordan is on the team, or President Obama, but it's still early. I respect your desire to find a place where hockey is actually understood. Enjoy your stay.— roadtriptoday
- phillyboy - You're a peculiar guy. Your posts resemble english, but you make no points and raise no questions. You just bark at strangers. I'll be clear: I'm not a Flyers fans and I'm not from Philly, I just recognize a good team when I see it, just as I recognize a fool when I see one. I like most of the folks here, but not you. You're the bitter fat kid typing from his basement with a tub of ice-cream on his lap, angry at the world, yapping at anyone he doesn't recognize in an attempt to sound tough. Yes, I know you love the attention of people pointing at you and saying, "See? I TOLD you Philly's fans are morons!", but what you don't get is that the other Philly fans are pointing at you and saying, "I'm not with that creep!"— Lorne
- roadtriptoday - I checked out the Chicago Tribune (just as I checked out the Inquirer) 'cause I was curious about their fans, just as you were. You're half-right - they don't seem to be running at full throttle. Most of the talk is pretty light and reserved. But in fairness, they haven't had the roller coaster ride that Philly has, plus they've been on cruise control for awhile already, after jumping ahead of SJ and staying there. But just wait until the weekend. Don't underestimate Chicago the team or the city when it comes to intensity.— Lorne
- Flyers 1, Chicago 0. That's my series prediction. No, not a guess at Saturday's opening game. That's my series prediction. Take it one game at a time. Of all the cliches, that is the one that really makes sense. Win one game. Start over, win that game. Put it on the line.— NYFlyersFan
- The Flyers haven't played this Hawks' team yet. They played the Hawks with Huet in net. And the Hawks were the better team that day and were up with two minutes left and Huet gave them the game. Not something Neimi will do. In any case, it will be a tough series.— CupRun10
Comment removed.- It'll come down to the goalies, as it usually does, because if we're just talkin' offense and defense the two teams are pretty well-matched. The volatility factor of Leighton and Neimi is huge because both are relatively new and huge surprises. Are they for real, is it just adrenaline? Stay tuned. There's a real chance that either one could suddenly run out of gas and then... poof... game over.— Lorne
- phillyboy - Funny how everyone on the Internet is a marathon-running, 6'2" heart-surgeon with a Nobel prize and a gorgeous wife. I'm sure everyone here wants to be you right now. Face it dude - your shtick is playing the online bully from behind the safety of your computer. I don't know why you choose to fling so much negative karma, I don't know what pathology drives you to think, "Hey! A Montrealer! I'm going to say mean things to him!!", and I don't know how you can afford the time since you have major corporations to run in between training, performing life-saving surgery and shagging your Asian wife (nice touch by the way). Lots I don't know. All I do know is that I'm good with debate, disagreements and even good-natured trash talk. I'm not good with your tired, ridiculous posing. I realize you're compelled to reply to me, but if you must, please don't send a phillyboy to do a man's job.— Lorne
El Tel 10:24 - that's an awesome stat - Barry Melhose - what a mook.- Hey petefreans, tough? is Laperriere playin 29 minutes a game in the playoffs like no teeth Keith? NO, he is averaging half that in the playoffs!— Happy Hawks Fan
- Oh my god this is a riot - we even had Ranger fans out here for the last games talking trash...then the Devil fans came out (they hate us desperately for filling up their stadium with Flyer fans) barking at us....Yep - then the Boston fans man were they crowing - up 3-0 what a tough ride for them. But as bad as that was the sheer arrogance of the french Canadians was a thing to see. And then they disappeared in a flash after their home loss. They didn't even show up for game 5 - talk about pathetic. Why is it everyone comes to Philly - whats the inferiority complex about - we have a reputation of being knowledgeable passionate and loyal fans - loyalty only counts when you stick with a team through the good and bad times - so bandwagon jumpers from another state or country - you get zero respect - this is actually hilarious - I didn't expect it because I thought Chicago being a great city had more class - guessed wrong. To see all these Chicago posters wanting to get in a dust up - is awesome - you must be spooked. I'm glad you are all in love with our former Flyers Patrick Sharp we're all happy for him (see its that loyalty thing again) and Ben Eager (we loved Eager too) and are also happy for him. Glad you have all chimed in like our former opposition. Watching them fade away one by one has actually been a real treat I didn't think I would have enjoyed so much - who knew about that extra perk. But seriously you come off as wannabe bandwagon jumpers. Go back to your boards and try and make something out of them - who has the time to re-register at an out of town paper you're never going to read again. Who does that? You have a great team and should do well - this is going to be a great series - Flyers in 4 "Some fun, eh"
- Do you think Leighton can bring the Cup back to Philly? Come on, seriously? Montreal didn't even test him. Take a look at the shots on goal for some of those periods, 13 shots for the Flyers and 2 for the Canadiens. I could stop 2 shots with Pronger in front of me— Happy Hawks Fan
- Shut down kane and toews line you win... Shut down our first line- you have briere's line- oh wait then you have the hottest player in the playoffs still- GIROUXXXXXXX. We are just as talented, just as fast, just as young as them. To mister hawks rule- You have no clue.— fman727
- People will start changing their tune about the Flyers chances once Kane and Towes are introduced the Mr. Pronger's elbow...— dr.anonymous,md
