Yes, they've lost 3 of 5, but look at circumstances. Up 3-0 in a very emotional and tough series, of course they slacked off some. Then when they decided enough was enough, they went out and dominated and demoralized the cup favorite Pens. I think it was very telling that they didn't wait until game 7 to decide. Game 1, rust was shaken off, then they dominated the Devils. Game 2 with a strong start - ahh, but the trap. Not the one in the Neutral Zone, the one in their heads. They are pretty solid favorites to beat the Devils in less than 7, Kovy's out, they had shown they could dominate 2 nights previous..... get up a goal and feel full of themselves....... like an apple from a tree...
I hear Laviolette on the radio this morning. He actually seemed pretty OK with the loss, maybe even moreso because of how it happened. He pointed out this IS a really young team, not fully understanding how to handle the highs and lows of a LONG playoff season. He talked about how every team in the playoffs throws out a few stinkers. But why he seemed OK with it was that they are doing it early, almost a pressure relief valve to keep it from overwhelming them by June. And, they've show an ability to respond to those self inflicted slaps in the face.
I tend to agree, it's almost better that they don't just run through the devils in 4 easy games. A young team needs the come-uppance, this team responds to adversity better than success. It's not like the Devils showed anything to fear, they will only win if the Flyers let them.
If anything, they wasted a poor performance by Broduer at the same time they wasted a great performance by Bryz. Not often a goalie thoroughly outplays his counterpart and loses 4-1.
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Expect a big bounce.
Posted on May 2, 2012, 12:31 PM from IP address 208.87.234.180