Funny thing, they don’t play these games “on paper” so let’s get to the puck drop. For all of the series predictions, no really knows what will happen here. This is really “can’t miss” viewing and I cannot wait for the start of this series. If the Flyers can stay close at the beginning of this series, don’t be surprised if those younger legs hold out while the “old men” of the Pens begin to fade. This could be a series to remember for a long time to come. No disrespect to the Pens, but I think the Flyers have an excellent chance to open eyes around the league with an upset series win.

Fantastic stuff, Charlie.

I am very much fascinated to see how much the injection of Martone and Foerster, legit top 6 scoring forwards, impacts things – especially on the PP. Hell, Foerster could also have a big impact on the defensive side.

Oh, one more thing…the Pens can have sexual intercourse with themselves. Tried to keep that as PG-rated as possible. 🙂

One thing that doesnt show up in the regular season analytics – grit and toughness. Yes, that old hockey cliche, which very much still holds true to a fair degree in hockey playoffs. This doesnt mean brawling – but playing physical hockey with an edge. The Flyers aren’t a big, bruising team, so it will be interesting to see how they play.

And going back to analytics – great ghu York has been unexpectedly bad. He’s mostly invisible on the ice (the only time he has stood out is when he is half-assing it towards a puck in the offensive zone and letting it go by him for a clear), but i was expected his analytics to be better. I guess Torts was onto something with him, eh?

Beat the Penguins and for me the season becomes a success of great proportions..regardless what happens in the next round.

If the Flyers PK can be 80 precent or better and get as well some timely kills I think they will win a close series .

Flyers Pk vs Pens PP is what I think will be biggest factor in the series.

This statement gives me so much hope combined with the age of the Pens stars: “Their biggest edge appears to be in goal, and goaltending is the great equalizer in the playoffs.” This alone can be enough to take the series. Combine it with balanced scoring throughout the Flyers lineup and the Flyers have a legitimate chance of winning this 1st round series. Thank you for all the metrics and your opinions, a reasonable person would pick the Pens, good thing we are Flyers fans and not reasonable!