Empty tank

Flyers ran out of gas against peaking Senators

Ask the Flyers about the importance of dispatching an opponent in as few games as possible when it comes to long-term postseason viability. The Flyers didn't show much energy from the outset in Game 6, beginning with a sloppy giveaway by the usually dependable Kim Johnsson that led to the Senators' first goal.

It was the first time Ottawa scored first in the series, which made matters more difficult for Philadelphia. But the next goal was utterly deflating -- short-handed to the short side by Mike Fisher -- as goaltender Roman Cechmanek gave up another soft goal, an alarming trend in this series. The two-goal deficit certainly affected the Flyers' energy reserve. Add a power-play goal and another goal just as a power play expired in the second period and the Sens turned this one into a laugher -- as the Flyers did in Game 7 of the first round against the Maple Leafs.

Actually, after expending enormous energy in winning 1-0 in Game 4, it became obvious that Philly had little left. Meanwhile, Ottawa showed its mettle from the regular season. The Sens skated, passed and withstood the Flyers' sporadic physical challenges the rest of the way.

When you look at how the two teams played from start to finish in this series, it is a wonder it went six games. Jeremy Roenick didn't score. Neither did Keith Primeau. Tony Amonte scored once, as did John LeClair. Philly's power play was abysmal and its penalty killing was worse than that. Mix in erratic goaltending and it becomes clear, the 4-2 series outcome flatters the Flyers.

Instead of blaming Cechmanek for the Flyers' demise, let's consider for a moment that his outstanding performance in Game 2 actually is the reason this series went as long as it did. It could have been worse.

Though I'm sure that doesn't seem possible in the aftermath in Philadelphia.

Three Stars

First Star: Through the taunts and questions of character, Martin Havlat delighted again in terrorizing the Flyers, beginning with a brilliant pass on the game's first goal.

Second Star: Zdeno Chara was solid in his own end and made great decisions all night -- both when to join the rush and when to hold the offensive blueline. Chara also delivered an open-ice hip check on Roenick in the second period that went unanswered.

Third Star: After a frustrating regular season, Peter Schaefer is making the most of these playoffs, especially by making a nice offensive follow-up to his Game 5 contributions.

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.

 

Related information

Stories

Senators eliminate Flyers with 5-1 rout in Game 6 2003 NHL Playoffs Second-Round Series Capsules 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs Second-Round Matchups 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs Daily Schedule

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video