There has been a lead and body, so now, appropriately, comes the conclusion, for one team. This series has been a constant shift in momentum and may very well have a storybook-like ending. The series or series’ that we have witnessed has been much like a Three Act Play, each set with a different tone. Ok, well maybe a little too scholastic, but there are not enough words or even time in a day to describe what has transpired over the past two weeks in this series.
Games 1-3 were series one, Boston won all three and looked to make quick work of Peter Laviolette’s injury-riddled squad. Boston played just a step above Philadelphia and it showed as their lead was consistently mounting, hence, the Flyers looked down and out.
Little did the Bruins know, Philadelphia had other plans, next came series two and the return of Simon Gagne in Game 4. Behind Gagne’s inspiring play since plus an entirely renewed sense of collective confidence, the Flyers find themselves in a decisive Game 7 on Friday night in Boston.
So now left at three victories a piece for a whole 48 hours, there are two teams going in different directions. The Flyers believe they can do this, for them the comeback is nearly complete. With just one more 100% effort for 60 minutes, they will do the unthinkable and send this wonderful city into a frenzy. To steal a line from Deb LaCava, “A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success.” How true that statement is, enough said! On the other hand, the Bruins have looked like a disheveled bunch over their past three games. No matter who the goalie is for the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston players just can not find ways to light the lamp. If they are unable to figure out fill-in Michael Leighton on Friday evening, the Flyers be playing the Montreal Canadiens to determine who will play for Lord Stanley’s Cup.
After Brian Boucher’s injury in Game 5, many counted the Flyers out once again. With Michael Leighton just coming off of an injury, he couldn’t possibly carry this resilient team to three straight victories, could he? Well while that notion is not quite fulfilled yet, it is right on the doorstep. For with one dominant “Leights Out” (no pun intended) showing, this series will be over. The Flyers have so many forms of beating an opponent right now at a time in which they appear to be hitting from all cylinders. Thanks to the leadership efforts of Chris Pronger and Captain Mike Richards, along with the reemergence of Daniel Briere, this team is gelling at exactly the right time.
Tuukka Rask is the only hope that Boston has right now, in order for them to advance, he MUST steal Game 7, it has to be the best game of his season. With the offense floundering, Rask is the key now more than ever, he and Boston’s high-quality penalty kill. One thing is for sure, the Bruins’ main objective will be to hold Philly’s offense at bay as Boston cannot figure out the puzzle in front of them that is Michael Leighton. They most certainly do not want to get into a high-scoring game because Philly has far too many weapons in its arsenal, rather they must play the style that got them to the dance, their laid-back, defensive-minded brand of hockey.
Major League Baseball’s motto for the playoffs is “You Can’t Script October.” Well, maybe you can’t, but if what is occurring right now in Philadelphia could only be captured via script, it could make for the most dramatic piece of all-time. The switching of coaches mid-season, injuries in the playoffs, Ian Laperriere’s sacrifice, Gagne’s will, Leighton’s emergence, etc. This is impossible to capture, with so many emotions bottled up, this now needs closure. With victory in Game 7, the incredible comeback of the Philadelphia Flyers will be complete. The backs of the Bruins are to the wall, they will be playing with far more pressure being at home too.
The pick: Flyers 3 Bruins 1.
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