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Next! Out of the frying pan (Hasek), into the fire (Jagr)
Posted: Saturday April 22, 2000 05:07 PM
VOORHEES, N.J. (AP) -- After outplaying the NHL's premier goaltender, Dominik Hasek, in the first round of the playoffs, Philadelphia Flyers rookie goalie Brian Boucher now must face the league's premier player: Jaromir Jagr. Jagr will lead Pittsburgh against the Flyers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, which is expected to start Thursday or Friday in Philadelphia. The Penguins eliminated Washington in five games Friday. Boucher allowed just eight goals for a 1.57 goals-against average in Philadelphia's five-game victory over Buffalo. But he said the Penguins present more of an offensive challenge than the Sabres. "They're a different team," Boucher said following Saturday's practice. "They rely on offense while Buffalo relied on defense and goaltending. They're dangerous offensively." Jagr, who won his fourth scoring title in six years despite missing nearly a quarter of the regular season with various injuries, did not fare well against the Flyers this season, getting just one assist in three games. Jagr's teammates weren't much better as the Flyers went 4-0-1 in the series. But the Flyers place little emphasis on their regular-season success against Pittsburgh. "That gets thrown out the window once the playoffs start," forward Mark Recchi said. "It gives you a little bit of confidence, but it's not something you dwell on. They beat a good team in five games." Forward Rick Tocchet said Pittsburgh's skating and passing skills make the Penguins more potent on offense. "You make a mistake against them and the puck is in the net," he said. "They have the best player in the world. If you watch them practice, you'll think you'll never beat them. They pass the puck and skate better than any team in the league." Boucher, who started 35 games and had a 1.91 goals-against average in the regular season, was 2-0-1 against Pittsburgh. He said the series is "just another test." Interim coach Craig Ramsay doesn't see any reason why the 23-year-old rookie will be intimidated. "He played the games down the stretch. He played Pittsburgh in their building and was brilliant," Ramsay said. "Nothing seems to phase this kid." While the Flyers know who they'll meet in the second round, they still don't know who will be their coach. Roger Neilson was scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia on Saturday night after going to Dallas last week because he felt he was a distraction. Neilson left the team Feb. 19 to pursue aggressive treatment for multiple myeloma, a rare form of bone marrow cancer he was diagnosed with Dec. 9. He wanted to return for the first round, but general manager Bob Clarke along with Neilson's doctors determined he wasn't ready. Ramsay said he spoke with Neilson on Friday and is awaiting a decision. "Whatever they decide, the players will handle it," Ramsay said Saturday afternoon. "I just show up and work, wear whatever hat I have to."
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