PITTSBURGHWho's hot? - Tyler Kennedy has been flying all over the ice and making things happen on the 3rd line. It may not show on the stat sheet, but he is a difference maker.
Who's not? - Petr Sykora only has 2 goals in his last 17 games. They need him to start being the scorer that they hired him to be. I think if he picked up the intensity, he would become a difference maker.
Key to winning - Special teams. Pittsburgh has to take advantage of the Flyers tough play and get some man-advantages. If they can put pucks in the net when on the power play, they can win this series in five games. Their penalty kill, which has improved under Dan Bylsma has got to continue putting pressure in the neutral zone. If the defense does not step up at the blue line, they are going to pay for penalty mistakes and could have trouble with the Flyers strong puck movement.
PHILADELPHIAWho's hot? - Jeff Carter has been piling up points all season. He has been really effective the last few weeks of the season. Look for him to continue into the playoffs.
Who's not? - Scott Hartnell has only 1 point in his last 8 games. He is a 30 goal scorer who needs to pick up his game against a team with the firepower of the Penguins offense.
Key to winning - Marty Biron has got to come up big against the Penguins. Since Dan Bylsma took over as coach, the Penguins have turned the opponant's net into a firing range. The Penguins have struggled only when the goalie comes up and shuts them down early. Carolina had success agains them when they were kept in it early by the goaltender. Philly will have to stop the barrage before the Penguins get on a roll.
PREDICTION - PENGUINS IN 6. This is going to be a terrific series. Hard hitting, fast paced, and fun to watch. I don't think the Flyers have the depth that the Penguins do on both ends. The offense and defense lean slightly to Pittsburgh.
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