#2 Seed VS. #8 Seed
Analysis: This series kicks off Wednesday night in New Jersey, and features the 2nd seed Devils against the 7th seed Flyers of Philadelphia. While the Devils finished 2nd in the East the Flyers easily dominated the season series between the teams 5-1. Brodeur always plays a major role in any hopes the devils have of contending for the Cup and this year is no different. The Devils play well defensively which was shown by winning the William Jennings trophy for allowing the fewest goals against all year. The Flyers play a gritty style of hockey and never quit, watch for the Flyers to attempt many stretch passes to get behind the Devils defence and in on Brodeur alone. This series will be a long and hard physical battle between two geographically close teams. For the Flyers to succeed they are going to need Boucher to come up with some timely saves. Will be interesting to see how Kovalchuk does in only his 2nd career postseason. Watch for Parise to play a major role in the Devils offense and if the Devils want to contend for the cup they will need a breakout playoff from him. Watch for Jeff Carter to be the offensive leader for the Flyers, Mike Richards, Claude Giroux and rookie Van Riemsdyk will also need to put up points if the Flyers are to upset. Chris Pronger will keep up with his nasty reputation and physically dominate the Devils Forwards.
Prediction: This series will be a grind and definitely have fans on the edge of their seats. Look for the Philly crowd to give the team a major boost for home games, as the arena is always loud and hostile. Watch for close games, decided by one or two goals. First upset of the Postseason has PHILADELPHIA IN 7.
Key Players: Devils: Brodeur, Parise, Kovalchuk, Langenbrunner, Martin, White. Flyers: Carter, Richards, Gagne, Carcillo, Pronger, Boucher.
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