Another level

Flyers raise game with intense team effort in Game 2 win

The Flyers laid their cards on the table just seven seconds into the game. Off the opening faceoff, Keith Primeau knocked Mats Sundin to the ice and Sami Kapanen slashed Robert Reichel. And they weren't bluffing. The Flyers remained intense, focused and physical throughout.

As was the case in Game 1, the Flyers bombarded Leafs netminder Ed Belfour. Unlike the first game, Philadelphia goaltender Roman Cechmanek actually made some saves. From there, the Flyers top players showed a determination that was lacking to open the series.

The line of Tony Amonte-Jeremy Roenick-Simon Gagne in particular had a complete turnaround. They stunk in Game 1 but were splendid on Friday, hustling, hitting and scoring, too.

Mind you, the Leafs hurt themselves with numerous turnovers at their blueline, with Phil Housley being the most obvious culprit. He made bad plays on the first two goals and couldn't handle the cycling of John LeClair-Mark Recchi-Claude Lapointe on the third goal.

It's hard to blame Housley, though. He missed the last month of the season with a broken foot and found his way into the lineup due to injuries. His timing couldn't have been worse. Nor could that of Wade Belak, guilty of two undisciplined penalties that served to fuel the Flyers' fever pitch and led to Roenick's power-play goal at the end of the first.

Remember, despite losing the first game of the series, the Flyers outplayed the Leafs. That's why their response in this game was telling. They weren't nervous and shaky -- rather they never looked surer. They got goals both on the power play and short-handed, and a couple at even strength as well. And they also received a better goaltending effort, as well as a much better effort from their top line. Overall, it was the type of commitment from everyone that head coach Ken Hitchcock expects. The Flyers could easily lead 2-0. Instead, they're tied heading to Toronto.

Meanwhile, speaking of expectations, who knows what the Leafs are going to bring? So far, other than Alexander Mogilny and Belfour, the Maple Leafs haven't shown much.

Three Stars

First Star: In a rough-and-tumble affair, Gagne still glided with grace and ignited the offense early -- which was just what the Flyers needed.

Second Star: Roenick had his fesity brand of "J.R. Hockey" on display. The way he used to play every night way back when – hitting, scoring, forechecking and doing it all with flair, right on the edge of reckless abandon.

Third Star: LeClair was a physical force all night, including battling hard in the post-whistle scrums.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for SI.com. Eliot will provide Stanley Cup Playoffs commentary throughout the postseason and is also broadcasting games for NHL Radio.

 

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