Preview: Flyers vs Penguins 2009

Records

Pittsburgh (4): 45-28-9 (99 pts) Home: 25-13-3 Away: 20-15-6
Philadelphia (5): 44-27-11 (99 pts) Home: 24-12-4 Away: 20-14-7

Head-to-Head

Oct 14, 2008 - PHI 2 PIT 3 (OT)
Nov 13, 2008 - PHI 4 PIT 5 (SO)
Dec 13, 2008 - PHI 6 PIT 3
Jan 13, 2009 - PHI 2 PIT 4
Feb 21, 2009 - PHI 4 PIT 5
Mar 22, 2009 - PHI 3 PIT 1
Pittsburgh won season series 4-2.

Fights

Oct 14, 2008 - Riley Cote vs Eric Godard
Dec 13, 2008 - Scott Hartnell vs Eric Godard
Dec 13, 2008 - Arron Asham vs Paul Bissonnette
Feb 21, 2009 - Riley Cote vs Eric Godard

Lineup

Goaltending: EDGE Pittsburgh
Scoring: EDGE Pittsburgh
Defense: EDGE Philadelphia
Coaching: EDGE Philadelphia
Grit: EDGE Philadelphia

Schedule

Wednesday, April 15, 7:00 p.m. (VERSUS, CBC)
Friday, April 17, 7:00 p.m. (VERSUS, CBC)
Sunday, April 19, 3:00 p.m. (NBC, CBC)
Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 p.m. (VERSUS, CBC)
*Thursday, April 23, 7:00 p.m. (VERSUS, CBC)
*Saturday, April 25, 3:00 p.m. (NBC, CBC)
*Monday, April 27, TBD (VERSUS, CBC)

Prediction

I think this series comes down to the performance of Evgeni Malkin. Mike Richards broke him last year, can he do it again? I say no. Pens in 6 in what should be the series of round 1.

John's Pick

To say that this series is going to be physical is an understatement. The team that comes out of this one is going to be pretty fatigued going into the second round. The Penguins finally found their groove late in the year, but the Flyers were inconsistent throughout the entire second half. Unless the Philly defense limits mistakes and Marty Biron puts together another terrific effort like he did last postseason, things aren't going to bode well for the Flyers. Penguins in a rough and tumble 6.

David's Pick

After a disappointing finish in the Finals last season, the Pens looked like they had little chance to get a shot at the Cup again. Steady team improvement and a coaching change turned the Penguins into the best team in the Atlantic by end of season. Dan Bylsma isn't on the ice anymore though, and the Flyers have 25-goal scorers all over the place. Sidney Crosby, Malkin and at least one classic playoff unsung hero (maybe?) will have to come up big for the Pens to come out of this rivalry series - and I think they will. Pens in what's hopefully a hard-fought, entertaining 7.