Chris Pronger would have been a serious help to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 5 of their first-round NHL playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres, but despite reports that he'd likely play on Friday night, he's out of the lineup and the Flyers are back to the same defense that they've seen all playoffs long.
Sabres Vs. Flyers, Game 5: Can Ryan Miller Still Buffalo Another Game?
Not that that's necessarily a bad thing for Philadelphia. In their two losses so far in this series, both were 1-0 affairs with strong defense. The problem for the Flyers has been the Sabres defense, and more specifically, goaltender Ryan Miller.
In both of those shutout victories, the Sabres have fallen into a defensive shell around him after earning the lead, but when Miller’s had to make saves, he’s been incredibly solid, as should be expected from the Vezina Trophy winner.
Because of this, the first goal is absolutely huge in Game 5. If the Flyers get it, they can unsettle Miller and force the Sabres into playing a little bit more run-and-gun, and in that type of game, Philadelphia dicates things. If Buffalo gets the first goal, it changes the entire complextion of things, and Miller and the Sabres have proven that they can withstand everything the Flyers have to throw at them.
Whoever wins the battle will have a chance to move on come Easter Sunday afternoon. For more, check in with our blogs: Broad Street Hockey on the Flyers and Die By The Blade on the Sabres.
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