The Flyers were the last team invited to the NHL’s postseason party and first to RSVP to the second round.
Now, the team is just waiting for someone to dance with.
After beating the Devils in five games last week, the Flyers still don’t have a second-round opponent. That answer will come tonight, after Game 7 between the Capitals and Canadiens. The Flyers will head to Washington either Friday or Saturday if the Capitals win. If Montreal wins, it’s on to Boston.
“It’d be nice to know who our opponent is, but the important thing is to be ready for Game 1,” said Flyers goalie Brian Boucher. “Washington has the firepower and Boston is a team that has been shutting opponents down.”
The Flyers had been spending the last few days recuperating, hitting the ice mostly to keep their legs fresh. Yesterday, they went through a full morning skate and kicked the intensity up with 3-on-3 play for almost an hour.
“We’re preparing and practicing like winners do,” defenseman Chris Pronger said. “We’re at a high tempo, crisp, executing very well.”
Coach Peter Laviolette flirted with the idea of an intrasquad scrimmage, then thought better of it.
“It got to a point where we just didn’t want to risk [injury],” Laviolette said. “After some conversation, we thought it better off staying with our regular practice. We’ll put some specialty teams scrimmage together either [today] or [tomorrow].”
