The Philadelphia Flyers have a 1-0 lead over the New Jersey Devils in their Eastern Conference semifinal series, but they took a tough route to their win in Game 1. They let the Devils take the lead early in the first period, then after taking the lead with two consecutive goals in a 40-second timespan in the second period, gave their lead away by gifting the Devils a power play. They took the lead back, then gave it away again. In overtime, they appeared to score the winner early, but it was disallowed for a kick.
NHL Playoffs 2012, Flyers Vs. Devils Game 2: Game Time, TV Coverage And More
The Philadelphia Flyers can take control of their series against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.
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Eventually, Philadelphia scored a legitimate goal through Danny Briere, who netted his second of the game and seventh of the playoffs to fire his team to a 4-3 victory. Coming off of a seven-day layoff, the Flyers looked fresh, but they certainly didn't look sharp.
Even though the series hasn't gone to New Jersey yet, this spells trouble for the Devils. A rusty-looking Flyers team took a lead on them three times in a win. James van Riemsdyk, back from a broken foot, scored a goal and screened Martin Brodeur for Briere's winner, showing everyone exactly what the Flyers have been missing offensively with him out of the lineup.
No team is ever in real trouble in a series until they lose at home, but the Devils might struggle to dig themselves out of a 2-0 hole. These teams split their regular season series, with each team winning more on the road than they did at home. If the Devils grab a split in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, the teams could be headed for a long series. If not, the Flyers will be in complete control.
No. 6 New Jersey Devils at No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers
7:30 p.m. ET -- Game 1, Eastern Conference Semifinals | Flyers lead, 1-0
National TV: NBC, CBC, RDS
For more on the Flyers, visit Broad Street Hockey and SB Nation Philly. For all your Devils news and notes, check out In Lou We Trust and SB Nation New York. Follow along at SB Nation’s NHL hub for analysis of each series throughout the playoffs.
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