Eastern Conference Semifinals. #2. Philadelphia vs. #3. Boston.

Two teams coming off of game 7's. Philadelphia got lucky with a poor performance from Miller but what's done is done. Philadelphia and Boston both move on. Here are my 3 keys to the series.

Number 1. Goaltending.

Philadelphia has been the story of the playoffs with the goaltending issues. Start with Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky struggled. Move to Boucher. Boucher struggles. Move to Leighton. Leighton struggles. Move BACK to Boucher and they win the series. Goalie questions will not help them win this series let alone a Stanley Cup. On the other side, Tim Thomas. One of the goalies that was considered for the Hart Trophy, along with Montreal goalie Carey Price. If the goalie struggles continue for the Flyers, don't expect the offense to bail them out with Timmy Thomas between the pipes for Boston.

Number 2. History WON'T be repeated.

Everyone remembers last year. Boston up in the series over Philadelphia 3-0 and they blow that. Then in game 7 they go up 3-0 and they blow that and lose. Do NOT expect that to happen again. With an experienced team and a coach that witnessed it last year, if the Bruins get out to an early lead, do not expect them to lay back. They will do whatever it takes to get that precious 4th win.

Number 3. Experience.

Philadelphia has been there. The Stanley Cup Finals. The greatest stage in hockey. The outcome didn't turn out the way they wanted it to, but they will do anything to get back. They have the experience. They know what it takes to not only get to the Cup Final but to get past Boston. Expect the veterans from last years team to step up and give them key help on how to take down Boston.



Players to watch.

Philadelphia: Mike Richards.

The love for the captains is back! They need to be solid for their team to win. Bad captain=not getting anywhere. Mike Richards was physical in the first series against Buffalo. That's great for the Flyers. When Mike is physical the team gets excited. He doesn't even need to produce goals. The Flyers have the players to do that. All Richards needs to do is play physical get the puck back defensively and the Flyers will have a chance to win.

Boston: Tim Thomas

There is one big way to win any game. Keep. The. Puck. Out. Of. The. Net. Tim Thomas is the guy that will make Boston win this series. Like I said the Flyers have great offensive players but it doesn't matter. Tim Thomas makes incredible saves that seem impossible and he will be fantastic all series. Count on it.

Prediction.

Flyers goalie issues too much to move on. Boston wins it in 6.