Penguins/NHL
For coaches, the post-season is about making the right decisions when it comes to line-matching. The Flyers go into game 1 with the plan of
matching two way centerman Jeff Carter (46 goals, 86 pts), up against NHL scoring champion Evgeni Malkin (113 pts).
Carter vs Malkin
Hartnell (60 pts, 143 PIM) – Carter (46 G, 84 pts) – Lupul (25 G, 50 pts)
Fedotenko (39 pts) – Malkin (113 pts) – Sykora (46 pts)What to watch for
It is going to be interesting how Ruslan Fedotenko matches up against Scott Hartnell. If the staff feels they need to add some grit to that line, don’t be surprised to see Matt Cooke move up to Malkin’s line at sometime during the series.
Penguins need to use home-ice to their advantage
The Flyers are going to try to match Mike Richards up against Crosby’s line and go strength vs strength. From what I’m told, Bylsma wants to use Jordan Staal against Richards.
With the last change, Bylsma needs to take advantage of trying to get Crosby’s line up against the Flyers third line.
Anytime the Flyers 4th line on the ice, Bylsma needs to get Malkin or Crosby out on the ice, even if its just for 5-10 seconds before the Flyers react and make a change.
