Jul 31 2006
Game Five:
Flyers 3 – Devils 1Flyers Win Series 4-1
Philadelphia came out banging and crashing, as usual. They owned the space in front of the Devils’ net, as usual. They scored first, as usual. But New Jersey hung in there, tying it in the second period on a Scott Niedermayer goal. The third period could have gone either way, and it went Danny Markov's way. His shot from just inside the blue line with about five minutes left proved to be the difference. The final goal was in an empty net.
In the final 90 seconds, two Devils had the tying goal on their sticks. But Philadelphia’s Robert Esche finished the series with a couple of first-class saves.
Although Markov’s shot might have ticked a skate and changed direction, the winning goal did not flatter New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur.
Alexei Zhamnov and Vladimir Malakhov assisted on Markov’s game-winner, marking the first time in Flyers’ history that three Russians combined to score a playoff goal.
Game Four: Flyers 3 – Devils 0
(Flyers lead series 3-1)
Once again, Philadelphia was quick off the mark. The game was barely a minute old when defenseman Kim Johnsson cruised in from the point to chip a rebound past Martin Brodeur. It was yet another example of the Devils’ inability to protect the front of their net, leaving the goalie to fend for himself. After that, the Flyers played their worst hockey of the series, before regrouping to add a pair of goals in the third period.
Flyers’ goalie Robert Esche was outstanding, stopping 35 shots. His easiest period was the third, when the Devils seemed to run out of gas.
For all their dangerous-looking shots, New Jersey did not corral many rebounds. Esche was rarely forced to make two or three saves in quick order. The Devils’ lack of size and strength was conspicuous in this regard.
This was the only game of the series without a power play goal. Just five minor penalties were called, four of them against Philadelphia.
Game Three: Devils 4 - Flyers 2
(Flyers lead series 2-1)
The line of Patrick Elias, Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta dragged New Jersye back into the series. Elias scored twice, Gionta once, and the trio finished with eight points. The popular theory was that Martin Brodeur would have to be great for the Devils. Brodeur did his part, stopping 23 shots, but this was not a goaltender's game.
Both Philadelphia goals, by Jeremy Roenick and Tony Amonte, came on the power play.
Flyers' goalie Robert Esche was not great, making just 19 saves. But he can't be faulted for the loss. Three New Jersey goals came from players in excellent scoring position. The other deflected in off a Philadelphia defenseman.
The Devils' power play, shut out in the first two games, was 3-for-5. Seven of the 16 goals in the series have been scored on the power play.
Game Two: Flyers 3 - Devils 2
(Flyers lead series 2-0)
Martin Brodeur is losing the goaltending battle. After two games: Brodeur: 6 goals against on 44 shots; Robert Esche: 4 goals against on 65 shots.
Philadelphia's size advantage was apparent in the physical game and the fight for loose pucks.
New Jersey has yet to hold a lead in the series.
The Devils rebounded from a 3-1 series deficit to beat Philadelphia in the 2000 conference final.
Game One: Flyers 3 - Devils 2
(Flyers lead series 1-0)
For one night at least, Robert Esche (37 saves) was a better goalie than Martin Brodeur (23 saves). But Esche kicked out many a huge rebound.
Philadelphia nearly caved after taking a 3-0 lead in the third, as the Devils scored twice in a 31 second span.
The Devils are no doubt sick of talking about Scott Stevens. But he was sorely missed, as the Flyers looked very strong on the forecheck.
Series Schedule
All Times Eastern Standard Time
* - denotes "if necessary"
Network television coverage listed in brackets.
Thursday, April 8: Philadelphia 3 - New Jersey 2
Saturday, April 10: Philadelphia 3 - New Jersey 2
Monday, April 12: New Jersey 4 - Philadelphia 2
Wednesday, April 14: Philadelphia 3 - New Jersey 0
Saturday, April 17: Philadelphia 3 - New Jersey 1
Philadelphia Wins Series 4-1
Flyers vs. Devils: Series Preview
Stanley Cup 2004: Analysis and Recaps of Every First Round Series
Stanley Cup 2004: First Round Schedule and Results at a Glance
