The Flyers played two admirable games in Boston, but could not come away with a win. Now they return home in desperate need of a win and scoring help.
Danny Briere has been the most consistent offensive production so far. Scott Hartnell and James Van Riemsdyk continue to struggle putting points on the board despite playing with a lot of energy.
Brian Boucher has played well, but not well enough. Tuukka Rask is making the saves that steal games and Bouch probably wanted both the second and third goals back from Game 2.
Here is what needs to happen to take Games 3 and 4:
-Marc Savard has to be shut down. He has provided an essential boost to the Bruins in all areas of the ice. He had the game winner in Game 1 and is not backing down (see Dan Carcillo's finger).
-The third defensive pair has been an atrocity. I understand the top four defensemen need rest, but with less than five minutes in the game, they need to dig deep and be out there. That mismatch cost the Flyers the game. Ryan Parent and Lukas Krajicek have to be better in the defensive zone, plain and simple.
-Special Teams. The Flyers power play has disappeared. Watching both games and seeing how difficult it was for the Flyers to set up in the zone was frustrating as a fan let alone for the players. The Bruins are being aggressive with their box and the Flyers are firing into shooting lanes that do not exist. Some power play tallies can bring back that confidence and get them back on track.
Overall as a team, the Flyers just have to be better. They have played well, but not great. With the home crowd behind them, I think the Flyers cut the deficit in half and a few breaks are finally going to come their way.
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