Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

Sabres Vs. Flyers

The Sabres managed to salvage something this season by securing the 8th seed in the playoffs following a 1-1 tie with the Washington Capitals. All memories of this semi-disasterous season have a chance to be erased with a good run in the postseason. Expect to see a new article before and after each playoff series profiling the Sabres keys to the series and the strengths and weaknesses of the teams. First up is the longtime playoff nemesis Philadelphia Cryers...er Flyers.

Strengths Of the Flyers
Leclair has absolutely been the Sabres worst nightmare for the past few seasons. Even without Lindros, this guy is dangerous. The Flyers have several other forwards who have size with skill. Watch for this Gagne, he seems to be a special player who will get better with time. Eric Dejardins is one of the best in the NHL. The Flyers also have added a little mobility on the backline with the rookies Delmore and Eaton.

Weaknesses Of the Flyers
Where can we start? Off the ice this team is a living soap opera. Lindros is at odds with the management and was stripped of the captaincy after lashing out at team doctors. The roster is a revolving door, so it is hard to expect any chemistry. On the ice the team has several shortcomings also. In goal, expect to see Rookie netminder Brian Boucher. Now Boucher is solid but rookie goalies usually can be flustered. Now onto the d. While the team added some mobile rookies, as I mentioned before, as a unit they still are rather slow. Guys like Richardson, McGillis and Therien are pretty slow skaters.

Strengths Of the Sabres
The new guys, Gilmour and Gratton have been a gift from god. I expect Gratton will be extra hyped up as he is facing an old team he never liked. Hasek is Hasek, nuff said. We have 4 great lines that should cause matchup problems. Every line is capable of kicking in goals. Zhitnik and Smehlik are playing dominant and we see good depth right down to the sixth guy. Speed is a strength that will be utilized to its fullest. Expect guys like Rasmussen, Varada and Peca to lead a physical charge.

Weaknesses Of the Sabres
Are we too tired to make it? We discharged so much energy getting in, will there be anything in the tank? Power play is in the NHL basement.

Keys for the Sabres

1) Gilmour's Health- This guy has been carrying the load offensively. He was scratched the last game of the season with a virus. Word is that he was in the hospital. We need him healthy.

2)Pounce on Defense- The Flyers D is slow-afoot. We need to get in there and cause havoc. Forecheck hard and hit Dejardins at every chance.

3)Eat Up Rookie- Boucher is untested, lets rattle him with early goals.

My Prediction-I like the Sabres and their goaltending here. Sabres in 6.

Email: willrus500@aol.com