Flyers-Sabres
Briere vs. Miller – This has been overblown to a point. It’s not that big of a deal and to be honest right now Danny Briere has Ryan Miller’s number and has gotten into his head a bit.

“It has definitely been a very, very emotional series,” said Briere. “There is no doubt about it. It’s not always easy when you’re battling against some of the guys you have battled with on your side. For a span of about two weeks you have to put that aside and forget about it. It probably the toughest part, and I try to look at it as one game all in a line, and I’m very excited to still be alive and play in a Game 7.”

Flyers goalie Brian Boucher will get the nod to start Game 7 for the Flyers. He’s a guy with plenty of experience and he should be ready.

“I think now the league tends to be a lot younger than it was years back so I think there are a lot of guys where this is going to be their first for them being in a Game 7. I think you will find that all around the league. I think if you have played in an elimination game where you were down and you lose and you are out then you are ready for a Game 7. You have to draw some experience from that and execute and be ready to go. The urgency has to be there if you want to win.”

Buffalo will certainly throw the kitchen sink at the Flyers but they have to get some production from Brad Boyes and Ryan Miller needs to have a near shutout performance if they want to walk out of Philadelphia with a win. I think the Flyers will win this game 4-2.

Blackhawks – Canucks
Somehow the champs are now the underdogs? They really are, Vancouver has the home ice advantage but Roberto Luongo seems damaged and now I question whether he can be up to the task of beating a hungry Blackhawks team. Dave Bolland has been an absolute star for Chicago and Marty Turco has been watching mate Corey Crawford from the bench because he is that good.

Vancouver has the best power play in the league, I think, and a great PK the Sedins and a lot more. Ryan Kesler has to step up here if his team is going to win.

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are two very clutch players. Michael Frolik is reaching his potential and Marian Hossa has the monkey off his back. Vancouver never stepped on the champs collective throats when they were up 3-0. Boston lost last season to Philly when they had the same advantage.

Hawks win 5-3 and Vancouver’s police will have to clear the streets like they did in 1994 when they lost to the New York Rangers in the Stanley Cup Finals.

*photo by del Tufo