This, That & What-Not

Pick 'em: Flyers-Sabres, and Hockey Saturday

By Dominik@LHHockey Updated Apr 16, 2011, 7:00am EDT

It's okay man -- Michael Grabner isn't even in this series.

Bob Johnson probably would've liked today, a great day for hockey: Four games, staggered, beginning at 1 p.m. EDT and continuing to the fourth opening faceoff at 10 p.m. Somehow I'm thinking today, the yard work does not get done.

Last night confirmed that there is another Dane, on the opposite side of the continent: He's no Frans Nielsen, but Jannik Hansen scored his second goal in two playoff games and was on the ice for the final minute with a one-goal lead to seal the win for Vancouver. Atta Dane.

(Also of interest last night: With Dwayne Roloson's Lightning pounding the Penguins 5-1, it was refreshing to hear Pens announcers Bob Errey and Paul "Staggy" relishing the Pens trying to run the Lightning with the score already out of hand. And to think, their sober language Feb. 11 led me to believe they were above all that.)

The only game today that's not on national U.S. TV is the Sabres-Flyers Game 2. That's the series for which you can issue your prediction in the poll below. (And vote in the other ones, if you haven't already.)

Lightning-Penguins Game 2 Highlights

I just figured many of you would enjoy these:

Flyers-Sabres Series

2-Flyers (47-23-12) vs. 7-Sabres (43-29-10)
History: Buf wins in 2006, 2001, 1998; Phi win in 2001, 1997
Season Series: 2 Phi Reg W, 1 Buf Reg W, 1 Buf SOW
SBN Angst: Broad Street Hockey | Die by the Blade

TV Schedule

Thursday, April 14 (Buf 1-0)	at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS-JIP
Saturday, April 16	at Philadelphia, 5:00 p.m.	TSN
Monday, April 18	at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
Wednesday, April 20	at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS
*Friday, April 22	at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.	TSN, VERSUS (JIP)
*Sunday, April 24	at Buffalo, 3:00 p.m.	NBC (HD), TSN
*Tuesday, April 26	at Philadelphia, TBD	TSN

Ex-Islander Factor: Seems like the statute of limitations is up on this, but...Tim Connolly?

Random Ascribing of Significance

Buffalo has been very tough in the final stretch of the season (16-4-4). It's crazy to think it's been a year without Derek Roy, and yet here they are capable of knocking off a #2 seed.

But to me, this series comes down to two things (even before Game 1): The Sabres have Ryan Miller, the Flyers don't. If Chris Pronger plays the majority of the series (and in reasonably healthy form), the Flyers win. If he doesn't, they lose. That's glossing over things, but Pronger is that big of a factor. I think it's a close, long series either way, but if Miller is Good Miller and Pronger is only Partly Healthy Pronger, then the Sabres will make their new owner happy, and their long-time coach and GM more secure.

Heart Says: Screw the Flyers, Buffalo in five.

Head Says: Uncomfortable nailbiter all the way, and my Sabres fan buddy not only squats my couch, but chews through it. Sabres in seven.

Pick 'Em

Make your picks in the poll, explain in comments. We've been having nightly playoff chats, but since today is hockey all day from 1 p.m. till past midnight EDT, go ahead and use this forum to discuss the day's games.

LHH Playoff Pool: If you haven't entered your full playoff picks in WebBard's FanPost, you better hurry.