Flyers Start a Devil of a Series

The Fly Guys hope to make a run at Stanley's Cup

This could go really well, or really bad.

The Flyers step onto the ice at "The Rock" tonight against the rival New Jersey Devils for Game 1 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"It’s the hardest trophy in pro sports to win," Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger explained to the Inquirer. "With the physical attrition, the mental attrition that happens in the playoffs, you've got to be prepared to do whatever it takes for what essentially boils down to two months."

Pronger should know what it takes -- he took home the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007.

The most glaring statistic heading into the first round series between the No. 2 Devils and the No. 7 Flyguys is the regular season record between the two teams, with the Orange Crush holding the advantage winning five to one.

Also, since 1994 the No. 7 seed has beaten the No. 2 seed more than 46-percent of the time, according to USA Today

Wrap your brain-frozen mind around that one.

Another glaring reality? Who’s in net for each squad.

The Devils’ Martin Brodeur is one of the greatest goalies to ever skate. He’s primed to play inspired this postseason amidst criticism of being too old, as well as being eliminated in seven games against the Carolina Hurricanes last year. He’d like nothing more than to put a fourth championship ring on his finger.

The Flyers counter with Brian Boucher, whose dismal 9-18-3 record has had Philly fans ripping their hair out.

Until now.

The 10-year veteran who hold the NHL record for consecutive scoreless minutes is a brick wall as of late, standing on his head to make saves and shutting down a New York Rangers team on Sunday to give the Flyers a postseason birth. Fans hope he can perform like the Boucher of 2000, when he carried the Broad Street Bullies to the Conference Finals.

Drop the gloves, Philly. We’re in for a dogfight.

The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday for Game 1 of the Flyers’ Quest for the Cup.

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