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.
Comments (67)
Flyers can not skate with the Hawks. If Coach Lav tries it for any length of time the speedy Hawks will punish the Flyers, but I don't think Lav is foolish enough to try that, but we'll see.— Happy Hawks Fan- Last time i checked who won the Cup since 2000 and The East has FIVE wins over the West's four.— MichaelZoe
- Last time I checked, I still admire Joel Quenneville but he has NEVER taken his team to the Cup as a head coach, in fact, his coaching record in the plaoffs is not pretty: http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=47397— MichaelZoe
- Last time I checked, Antti Niemi is still a nobody...unless you count the whopping 38 games played in the AHL with the IceHogs. http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=94168— MichaelZoe
- MrHonesty: Last time I checked Blake still only throws 2 hard hits a season and was never an MVP and Norris Trophy winner like Mr Pronger was. Blake has never been suspended for having the absolute insane meanness to STEP ON A PLAYER'S leg with your skates. Dusty Bucklin should wear a diaper because Pronger is going to make him p*iss blood.— MichaelZoe
- Pronger has been effortless and in his own words "you need to save something for the end"...the scary part is that THIS is the end. I suspect that Dusty Bucklin is going to be the recipient of what Pronger has left. Calling it: Pronger opens the series with a MASSIVE hit on Byfuglien that is a KO. Flyers in 5.— MichaelZoe
Actually after watching the game last night (regular season re-broadcast) Kimmo was all over Kane and matched up better than well - I too went for the Shanny comment as a cool twist but you have to keep the crease clear and eliminate second chances - you need the big guy to move out whoever is there. Kimmo on Kane - advantage Flyers - watch the broadcast again for yourself - you'll see it.- DROP THE PUCK ! ! ! And let the whining and blaming begin !— ybob
- flyler- you are exactly correct. i'm a flyers fan who lives in chicago, and have watched and enjoyed the hawks all year- until now. putting pronger on byfuglien will not work,and allows kane to do his ice capades routine. put a smaller faster man on buff. he is not a superstar- he scored 17 goals this season, and is hot now- but can get very frustrated. also- the hawks checking line is on fire, and scoring- neutralize bollard. most of all- do not lose your cool and take stupid penalties- the hawks are highly skilled moving the puck around and will tire you out quickly- they dominate the 3rd period when the defense wears out from chasing them all game. and re barry melrose- didn't he coach for about 7 games before getting fired? enough said.— stopbooing
- Not so fast, Happy. While I generally agree that the first goal is big it's still only 1 goal. The Habs scored 59 seconds into Game 5 and the Flyers methodically pounded away for the other 59 minutes and 1 second. The Flyers will not panic if the Hawks score first but I hope the Hawks don't score first. I agree with Lorne and think it settles down into some great hockey after the pre-game hype wears off.— vafan
- hey Lorne, welcome back to the hockey blog. I thought you and Phillyboy were gonna go at it all day long. The first few minutes are going to be critical. A quick goal early and the whole game changes.— Happy Hawks Fan
- Game one, first ten minutes - a non-stop pound fest with both teams trying to mark their territory. Looking forward to it settling down and watching guys like Toews, Kane, Gagne and Carter go to work. Seriously, it's great to see two new teams in the finals.— Lorne
- Hey vafan, now thats news I can use. What else should I know about the Flyers that I won't read in the daily paper?— Happy Hawks Fan
- yo, Happy - I admire Keith for coming back into the game after getting however many teeth knocked out. BTW - I think if only one had been knocked out, I'd still admire him. HOWEVER, he got boinked in the mouth while standing up. Laperriere intentionally put his body in the line of fire. If your keeping score, I think that gives Lappy the edge! I think The Hockey News concurs as they awarded him the Ferguson Award for toughest player. BTW - Lappy also lost 7 teeth AND received 50-100 stitches after blocking a shot with his face against the Sabres earlier this season. He returned to the game as well. My point - we both have some tough, tough players on our teams. Here's the proof: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/20091129_Flyers_Notes___Laperriere_skates__7_teeth_lighter.html#axzz0p43PhQLE— vafan
- hey vafan, I second your opinion— Happy Hawks Fan
- Oh, and since you've asked again and again and again, I'm from Houston but currently in Montreal (wife's family is from here). I've been in town since Sunday so I missed most of the fun, but I have to tell you this is really a beautiful city and the people - french and english - mostly friendly. 90 degrees today and I'm sitting here in a cafe in this artsy area that reminds me of Soho in NYC and parts of Austin. Now can someone please explain why where I live is so important?— Lorne
- phillyboy - Are you telling everyone that you're a lawyer!?? Are you really saying that people pay real money for YOUR billable hours?? The hand that wrote, "That is the interesting psychology ( pathologic ) of you, but it is interesting in any event." is the same hand that writes legal motions for judges and counsel?? There is nothing I can possibly say that is funnier than this. Please post your email so that the deluge of client offers can begin.— Lorne
- hey 26cheese, lets have some fun before the Finals start. Let's compare the centers from the Flyers four lines to the Hawks centers.— Happy Hawks Fan
- hey fman, if you guys are just good as the HAwks how come you had to sneak into the playoffs the last day of the season????— Happy Hawks Fan
- Hey dr anon, I encourage Pronger to use his elbows to stop Kane and Toews, 2 minutes every time he does.— Happy Hawks Fan
- Let's not generalize all Hawks fans by what you read here. I'm sure most are rational and polite. Let's also remember that some of the Flyers fans here are irrational as well. I come here for the news and post purely for entertainment purposes. The posts today have exceeded my expectations.— vafan
- Hey - -I got a good idea.... let's watch the series and see how it goes instead of making useless taunts, predictions and assumptions before it even starts.— 26cheesesteaks
- People will start changing their tune about the Flyers chances once Kane and Towes are introduced the Mr. Pronger's elbow...— dr.anonymous,md
- 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
- 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
- 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"
- 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
- El Tel 10:24 - that's an awesome stat - Barry Melhose - what a mook.
- 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
- 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
Comment removed.- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Redlights - I can't argue with your assessment of East vs. West based on stats alone, but let's be fair. The East had Washington with the best record in the NHL. They were summarily dumped by the 8th place Habs, who went on to dump the Pens. The 7th place Flyers took out the Devils, another top team. Just goes to show how wobbly the regular season throne can be. This makes for great hockey, and it's why, despite all stats to the contrary, the Flyers have a good shot.— Lorne
- phillyboy - I have no idea what your semi-literate post was trying to say, but it sounds like you're trying very hard to insult Chicago, just as you tried very hard to insult Montreal, just as you tried very hard to insult Boston. The common thread is that you spend a curious amount of energy trying to sound tough, but come off as a silly caricature. The Flyers played a strong series and deserved to win; pity you can't enjoy the moment without being a moron.— Lorne
- The only reason Chicago fans are posting on our board is because deep down they are frightened and insecure about their teams chances. In the Playoffs this year, They have not faced a team as determined and with as much grit and heart as the Flyers have. They are just plain scared and jealous because the 2010 Flyers have the biggest comeback in sports history !! Yo Blackhawk fans, PUT THAT IN YOUR F$%@#$% PIPE AND SMOKE IT !! FLYERS IN 6. You can take that to the bank !!!!— longislandflyerfan
- Happy Hawks Fan said: "Do the Flyers have a guy as tough as Duncan (no teeth) Keith? Had seven teeth knocked out and came back in after only missing 6 minutes of the game. Well do ya?" Hmmmmm, let me think...well we had a player get a concussion and a brain contusion blocking shots, only to come back about month later to block even more shots. Laperriere I think his name was. So, yeah, we do....— petefreans
- O-oh, here come the Chicago faithful, cluttering our message boards. Alright Hawksrule, enjoy your favorite status. We are very happy to be called the underdogs. Even Barry Melrose believes in you...I can't speak for the club, but as far as they are concerned I believe, you guys are just another stepping-stone to the Cup. I'm feeling generous today: Flyers in 6. And you can take that to your Bean (or whatever that thing is)...— petefreans
- Do the Flyers have a guy as tough as Duncan (no teeth) Keith? Had seven teeth knocked out and came back in after only missing 6 minutes of the game. Well do ya?— Happy Hawks Fan
- Enjoy your Orange Eastern Conference garb, Philly fan. It'll be your last purchase this year. Hawks are a different breed of cat. Phlyers don't even make the playoffs in the West this year. So you plowed through the 19th, 30th and 26th ranked teams for goals scored. Bravo.— Reality Czech Mofo
- Any comments based on the Flyers winning the one game during the regular season are worthless. Come on guys. We all know the regular season has nothing to do with it anymore. Just ask Washington about that! Not to mention, the Flyers won that one with 1 second left, and the Hawks had their less skilled goalie playing at that point. This will be a TOUGH series against a very good team. I think the Flyers can do it if they grind it out, but let's not kid ourselves and base any assumptions on that one meaningless regular season game.— 26cheesesteaks
- Rountrip airfare, Orange County, CA to Philly:$352; Two tickets to game 3: $1,500; Another Stanley Cup in Philly: Priceless.— rjsmith
- Hey Philly fans, You have faced three of the worst offensive teams in the playoffs, New Jersey, Boston, and Montreal. Good luck with our 6'4" 257 lbs(nhl.com)angry gorilla named Dustin Byfuglien. If Blake and Murray of the Sharks can't move him, you think 35 year old Pronger will? Dustin has 40 lbs on him. Good luck should be a great series.— Mr Honesty
- Like the Sharks, the Flyers will try and goon it up with the Hawks. We will absorb it and at the same time dish it out. The Hawks will wait for the mistakes much like they did with the Sharks, and bury the puck! THe Flyers have not played a posession team like the Blackhawks, nor a team with the scoring ability, defesive rushes, or depth. We beat the Sharks by sending 4 strong lines that play two way hockey. Congradulations for making it to the Cup...but your party is about to end. But, win or lose, we both made it further than anyone else!!— Redlights
- This will be an interesting contest. You have to give the Flyers A+ for effort and tenacity, however the Eastern Conference competition is nothing close to the Western Conference! Look at the overall record and points. Teams that didn't make the Western Conference finals would have made 4th seed in the Eastern. We welcome the Flyers to real hockey. GO HAWKS!!!— Redlights
- This is going to be a tough series. I think Chicago has better goaltending. Of course so did our last three opponents. This will be fun.— Paul1954
- Hey HAWKSRULE>fancy meeting you here. Done with the Sharks blogs, on to the runners up EH?— Redlights
- If the flyers can jump on the bluehawks early they won't know what hit them!! Melrose is a F#@king idiot, btw. He has been against the Flyers all year, prove him wrong! LETS GO FLYERS— Murrayag11
- I agree with flyler. If you match Pronger & Karle against Byfuglien, that means Kane & Toews are going against Coburn & Timmonen, which is a problem because Coburn gets beat routinely by fast players. That Kane-Toews-Sharp line is lightning fast. Coburn has the size to tie up Byfuglien, and Timmonen frustrates the opposition with his smarts and excellent stick work. Winning one of the first two games is mandatory because the Hawks are 7-1 on the road in the playoffs, but only 5-3 at home.— Snap Crackle Propp
- Hawksrule - check your facts, the flyers beat the hawks already this year. You say the Flyers haven't faced a team like the Hawks, I think it's vice versa. The flyers have a lot of defensive depth in Pronger, Timmonen and Carle, they also have the best defensive forwards in the game right now. It will be a great series, but the Flyers will win it in 5 on chicago ice.— the sichee-ation
- Flyers D needs to play as well as they did in the last 8 wins and really shut down the quality first shots, and clear the front of the net of players and rebounds. 6 or 7 games. 2010 Flyers have a much better shot than the 97 team. Detroit was unbeatable. Go Flyers.— drew138
Try playing Kimmo vs. Byfuglien Speed on Power. Don't play the body, play the puck. They won't expect it. Use Pronger on Kane & Towes. With them, play the body.— flyler- Barry Melrose said the Blackhawks will win . . . he also said New Jersey would win, that Boston would win, that Montreal would win . . .— El Tel
- March 13, 2010: Flyers 3 Chicago 2 GO FLYERS— thatbarrettguy
- hawksrule: The flyers did face the Hawks and Pronger beat them. Enough said. THE PRONGER EFFECT!— MichaelZoe
- Comment removed.
- The Flyers faced a team like the Blackhawks back on March 13th and won. They were so much like the Blackhawks they even wore the same uniforms.— denisob
- When you really break down this series, it seems pretty close to me. Chicago has the offensive edge, while Laviolette is head & shoulders above Quenneville. Defense and goaltending is a push. Chicago has the better PP and Philly has the better PK. I think depth is going to win this series. Leino, Hartnell, Lappy, JVR vs. Bolland, Madden, Brower, Versteeg. I can't wait for Saturday!!! Flyers in 6!— sbg42
- It is true that the Flyers have not yet played a team like the Blackhawks, but they HANDLED a very skilled and fast NJ team in round 1. I am nervous about Chicago, but you never know. Edmonton was an 8 seed and took Carolina to 7 games in 2006. You never know what can happen. Just look at round 2 vs Boston. Win or lose though, Im so proud of this team.— Lintltj5
- Kidding yourselves.......the hawks are the youngest, fastest, most talented team in the NHL.....the flyers haven't faced a team like the Blackhawks, and it will show. All the pundits said that the Sharks series would go 7....look what happened! Hawks in 5. take it to the Philly Federal Reserve.— hawksrule
- Blackhawks take game 1. The flyers bounce back to take the next two. Then lose game 4 at home. Bounce back again to win it in 7!— Murrayag11
- PhillyBoy I agree. Laviolette is the key to our sucess in the Finals. He is a great coach and I hope they keep him around for a long time. Unlike the past few coaches, he understands how to operate a good team and system under the post-lockout rules. And although I don't buy into superstition, the Hossa Black Cloud will give us some help. Split in Chicago, win two at home and take it all in Game 6.— Flyersroadtrip
- I just love that this Flyers team has been able to outwork it's bad luck. Chicago is a team built a lot like the Flyers, so it will be a tough series. Best thing about playing Chicago...Marian Hossa could not win a cup to save his life!— Hexy4GM
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