NHL Playoffs: Flyers historic win sets Conference Finals

by Ryan Weiss on May 15, 2010 7:00 AM CDT in Analysis/Reaction

Fans in Detroit were hoping for a 3-0 series comeback in the conference semifinals this past week. They got one---just in the wrong series.

The Philadelphia Flyers joined the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1975 New York Islanders as the only teams in NHL history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit, defeating the Boston Bruins 4-3 last night in Game 7.

Boston jumped out to a 3-0 lead in Game 7---just like they did in the series---in the game's first 14 minutes behind two goals from Milan Lucic and Michael Ryder. But Boston was unable to hold onto the lead in the game---just like they were unable to hold the lead in the series.

Scott Hartnell and Danny Briere scored in the second period to tie the game at 3, then Simon Gagne scored with just under 13 minutes gone in the third period to give the Flyers a 4-3 lead.

The conference finals are now officially set with a wild Eastern Conference show on tap. Eighth seeded Montreal, who ousted defending champ Pittsburgh on Wednesday, will duel the seventh-seeded Flyers starting on Sunday in Philadelphia (on Versus, 7pm). In the West, top-seeded San Jose, who defeated the two time West champion Red Wings, will host second-seeded Chicago in the day game, 3pm on NBC.

The Flyers comeback is just the third of a kind in NHL history and fourth overall in the three North American professional leagues that use a best-of-seven format. Ironically, the Boston Red Sox are the only non-NHL team to complete the feat, doing so against the New York Yankees in 2004.

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And how about this...

Ville Leino is in the conference finals and the rest of his former team is not. And he didn’t let the others carry him there as he had 2 assists that game plus some great chances including a penalty shot in Game 6

by SonicMario(RW) on May 15, 2010 8:13 AM CDT reply actions

What a year for playoff hockey

9 and 10 in the west had more points than 7 or 8 in the east, and 7 and 8 make it to the ECF… how crazy

by mikerlz on May 15, 2010 12:40 PM CDT reply actions

I love this. We could potentially have a 1-vs-8 SCF matchup

I’m still pulling for Montreal to win it all. They’re just too fun to watch. If they can’t do it, then I’d like to see San Jose take the cup.

A Chicago-Philly matchup in the final series would turn me into an alcoholic.

"Sooner or later, you're going to have #69 in your face." -Al Michaels

by IntrepidX on May 15, 2010 12:46 PM CDT reply actions

I dunno

this may be the only time I pull for the east… 8th seed ousts the first seed then the cup champs… then the 7th seed comes back from a 0-3 series then 0-3 in game 7 to come back and win 4-3… i couldnt help feeling sorry for the sharks to make it to the finals and lose though

by mikerlz on May 15, 2010 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Go Sharks, all the way

I predicted (to no one in particular, just in my own mind) before this season started the Sharks would win it all. And I have no reason to root against them now…

Chicago? Meh, I wouldn’t care if they won but I’d rather they not.

Philly? They’re dirty and they have Chris Pronger. That name alone gives me enough reason to root against them.

Montreal? I love Halak, and Camellari is awesom because he’s a Michigan guy (Go Blue!), but Montreal already has waaay too many cups in their history, and I’d rather they never win the cup again. But should the Sharks lose, I will be rooting for Montreal.

If it’s a Philly-Chicago finals, I will be very upset.

by tehGOALIE on May 15, 2010 5:07 PM CDT reply actions

Still

them broad street bullies of the 70s were some goons lol

by mikerlz on May 15, 2010 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah my order of teams i want to win

from most wanted to see win to least

Habs
Sharks
Flyers
Hawks

Def no Hawks i want to see 1961 and counting and Philly fans i can not stand them because i live near them and they are all annoying…more phillies fans than anything but still philly fans period…no no no lose to the Habs

TULO = 2010 MVP!

Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."

by TuLoRocks2008 on May 15, 2010 6:28 PM CDT reply actions