Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
I love being right about something! In case you didn't read my round 1 preview, I predicted the Bruins to win the series in six games. Most prognosticators, including myself, are wrong so often, one needs to relish the times they're correct. Enough of that, now onto the news at hand. On Monday, Mark Savard was given clearance to play in the 2nd round. If he's OK, he provides a huge boost to the Bruins offense they desperately need.
The real question is whether or not he should be allowed to play. My answer is no. Sports fans are well aware of what a sever concussion can do, and Bruins fans especially have recent experience thanks to Patrice Bergeron. I'd love the see the Bruins make a serious run for the Stanley Cup, but I'm taking the long term view for Savvy and the Bruins organization. Wasn't it just a month ago, Savard could barely walk outside into the sun without having serious problems? It's amazing story he can make a dramatic turnaround in such a short amount of time, but he needs to think about his career and quality of life after he retires.
Now that you know my opinion on Savvy's return to the lineup, what will happen in this series. Thanks to the Montreal Canadiens, the Bruins have home ice (who would have thunk that?) against the Philadelphia Flyers. They enter this round as the favorites, but the two teams did split the 8 games played this season. The Bruins did dominate the final regular season game against the Flyers, beating them 5-1 the last week of the regular season.
The B's - Flyers series should be a good one. The Flyers, also have a hot goalie in Brian Boucher. In 5 games against the Devils, he had a 1.59 GAA and a .940 save percentage. You can never underestimate a hot goalie, so the Bruins could be in trouble if he maintains that level of play. The Flyers bring a physical style of play that should make for an entertaining series between the two teams. They have a certified star in Mike Richards, along with proven goal scorers Jeff Carter, Daniel Briere, and Simon Gagne. There's just one problem with that statement, both Carter and Gagne will be out for all, if not most, of this series and the remainder of the playoffs. In order for them to win this series, they will need to rely on some of their young stars like UNH product James Van Reimsdyk.
On a side note, how crazy is it that the #1, #2 & #3 seeds in the Eastern Conference were all upset and bounced from the first round of the playoffs. That is why I love the NHL playoffs. Anything can happen.
My prediction: Bruins win series in 6 games again.
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