Philadelphia Flyers Vs Buffalo Sabres

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

Buffalo Sabres (Seed 4)

“Defense,” may be a cheer you hear over and over again when the Sabres are on the ice, and it’s fairly certain that the team will respond. Buffalo has a tough “D” that makes them capable of beating just about any team in he league. The team, after a lot of bad play in March, has refocused to win 7 of their last 8.

Rookie goalie Ryan Miller (30-14-0) has recorded a .914 save percentage and 2.60 goals against average. He, like the rest of the club, struggled three-quarters of the way through the season but was back in form in the final weeks if regular play.

Buffalo is tough and will be tough in these playoffs.

Philadelphia Flyers (Seed 5)

This is a team with talent but rife with inconsistencies. With Peter Forsberg on the ice, the Flyers are dynamic; but the premiere player continues to be hobbled by injuries and when that happens his team is also hobbled.

Goaltending is also a problem for the team, with veteran Robert Esche offering shaky play and newcomer Antero Niittymaki, who has been solid, out of the net for the start of the first playoff series. Rookie Niittymaki, who had played well in the regular season, seemed to be the logical choice, but the Flyers choosing to go with the more experienced Esche.

Forsberg’s groin injury and a lack of focused, steady play by the team indicate an early exit for the Flyers.

First Round Playoff Series Prediction:

Buffalo over Philadelphia in 5 games

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