All-time draft 1st round: #6 Miami Screaming Eagles @ #3 Philadelphia Flyes

Miami Screaming Eagles :thumbd:

Frank Mahovlich - Syl Apps Sr. (C)- Boris Mikhailov (A)
Alexsander Yakushev- Bobby Smith - Vaclav Nedomansky
Woody Dumart- Doug Weight - Peter Bondra
Vic Stasiuk - Steve Kasper - Mike Keane

Harry Howell (A) - Tom Johnson
Lennart Svedberg - Jack Crawford
Wally Stanowski - Behn Wilson


Reserve : Tommy Anderson
Reserve : Jim Roberts

Starting Goaltender : Patrick Roy
Backup Goaltender : Pete Peeters
Backup Goltender : Jon Casey

Head Coach : Lester Patrick

Philadelphia Flyers :thumbu:

Brendan Shanahan - Bobby Clarke (C) - Frank Foyston
Andrei Khomutov - Vyachaslav Bykov - Sergei Makarov
Luc Robitaille - Kent Nilsson - Willi Plett
Pat Verbeek - Chris Drury - Steve Larmer

Kris Draper

Herb Gardiner (A) - Mark Howe
Eddie Gerard (A) - Si Griffis
Steve Smith - Petr Svoboda
Darryl Sydor


Martin Brodeur
Roy Worters
Ken Wregget


Coach - Mike Keenan

This is the kind of matchup that I'm happy that I drafted my "Big" 2nd line. Clarke was a great defensive player, but if he ends up playing against my 2nd line to cover them defensively, he would lose what makes him a perennial 1st rounder : his playmaking ability.

This is the kind of matchup that I'm happy that I drafted my "Big" 2nd line. Clarke was a great defensive player, but if he ends up playing against my 2nd line to cover them defensively, he would lose what makes him a perennial 1st rounder : his playmaking ability.

Clarke will likely go head-to-head with Apps ..... but Clarke won't lose anything no matter the match-up. He will be the best skater on the ice.

I expect high scoring games between two teams who seemed to look at 3rd lines as another excuse to score goals. Yet they also have two of the best goaltenders in hockey.

Wide open hockey with Roy and Brodeur playing "can you top this."

Probably the most fun series to watch.

Clarke will likely go head-to-head with Apps ..... but Clarke won't lose anything no matter the match-up. He will be the best skater on the ice.

Well, he was a great player for sure. But my point is that he might be forced to play against my 2nd line whenever there's a faceoff in your zone(and beleive me, Brodeur BETTER freeze the puck often considering the talent my squad as at scoring garbage goals). With the notable exception of Gardiner, who's still conceding 25 pounds or so to my smallest player on my 2nd line, you're gonna have problems clearing the crease, which might be passibly occupied with this line on the ice. If you want to play Clarke against Apps, I don't any problem with it. However, it might lead to problems should you need to ice, let's say, Andrei Khomutov to toss the Yak, the Ned or the Bob out of the crease.

But a playmaking C can only be as good offensively as his wingers permits him to be. And, without being "mean"... Well, I have Mahovlich and Mikhailov, and you obviously don't . :)

But a playmaking C can only be as good offensively as his wingers permits him to be. And, without being "mean"... Well, I have Mahovlich and Mikhailov, and you obviously don't . :)

I only have two LW's with over 600 goals each ...... Foyston was possibly th efirst to ever score 200 goals ..... Makarov might very well be the biggest game breaker in the series.

My defense doesn't have size, but I have the most mobile defense in the draft ... the transistion game will leave those big forwards of yours sucking wind on the backcheck.

By the way how many times is Roy going to turn the puck over to me trying to match Brodeur's puckhandling ability ???

FORWARDS: Two great top lines. Both lines feature a strong, two-way playmaking centre, a talented, high-scoring RW, and a goal-scoring LW. I give the advantage to the Flyers’ top line due to Clarke’s incredible defensive play and Clarke and Shanahan’s significant physical play. There’s a lot of offensive firepower on the second line. Overall, Philadelphia gets the advantage here due to superior depth. Drury, Verbeek and Larmer provide toughness, two-way play and veteran leadership, while Plett provides toughness and Nilsson and Robitaille provide additional scoring threats. I also like Miami’s depth, but they don’t have the same level of toughness or firepower. Advantage: Philadelphia.

DEFENSE: Miami has a significant advantage here. While they won’t score much, Howell and Johnson are the top two defensemen in this series and are capable of playing 25 minutes per night each. Miami has great depth of its own with rushers in Svedberg and Stanowski and some size and toughness in Wilson. Philadelphia has strong depth with two excellent rushing defensemen from the past (Gerard and Griffis) and a Hart-winner. I like the Flyers' speed, but the lack of an elite blueliner will hurt. Advantage: Miami.

COACHING: An interesting match-up. Despite many criticisms, Keenan is often able to get a lot out of his players (albeit usually for only a few years at a time). In a one-year, one-playoff series showdown, I think that Keenan is an ideal motivator. Keenan’s often criticized for mishandling young players and goalies. I don’t see either of those (rather significant) flaws affecting the series here. Everybody on Philadelphia is a proven veteran, and there’s really no way to screw up the goaltending strategy of starting Brodeur in every game. On the other hand, Patrick was a brilliant innovator. I’m sure somebody with his level of hockey knowledge could come up with some appropriate strategies. Too close to call.

GOALIES: A match-up between two of the best playoff goalies ever, with the cool and composed Brodeur facing the competitive, intense Roy. The advantage goes to Miami; Roy’s three Conn Smythes are impossible to overlook. Roy also gets the advantage because he can play not to lose (like Dryden) on dominant teams, or keep his team in the series even if all the other players are struggling. It’s also worth noting that Brodeur might be slightly out of his comfort zone here; his playoff success came behind excellent defensive, trapping teams. It doesn’t look like the Flyers will play that style. While I expect that Brodeur and Roy will get all the starts in this matchup, it’s worth noting that Worters is a much better backup than Peeters. Advantage: Miami.

GRIT: When I did my write-up about the Eagles, I noted that most of the teams is large, tough, and not particularly aggressive (Apps, Howell, Johnson, Keane, etc). The Flyers are a much more aggressive team with players like Verbeek, Clarke, Shanahan and Larmer. Will the Flyers’ more aggressive approach wear the Eagles down? Or will it simply land them in the penalty box?

INTANGIBLES: This match-up features two of the greatest captains in NHL history (Clarke vs Apps) and two proven, veteran goalies that will give their teams the ability to open up if necessary. I think that Philadelphia has slightly more proven, clutch players like Shanahan, Larmer and Drury. A fast, mobile defense and the presence of Brodeur gives the Flyers a big advantage on the transition game. Advantage: Philadelphia.

Overall, I believe that the Flyers are a tougher, more skilled team while the Screaming Eagles are better on the blueline and in net. This will be a close series.

I only have two LW's with over 600 goals each ...... Foyston was possibly th efirst to ever score 200 goals ..... Makarov might very well be the biggest game breaker in the series.


I was talking about only 1 LW...The one that will be playing with Clarkie. If you talk about Foyston having scored 200 goals, well, Mahovlich reached 600 too (if we're to consider out-NHL leagues, we should as well consider them all, right?)... And Mikhailov have close to 500 goals in something like 600 games in Russian League.

Miami's going to win IMO. I like the Eagles top line, while I don't personally know much about Philly's 2nd line.

Miami's going to win IMO. I like the Eagles top line, while I don't personally know much about Philly's 2nd line.

Their second line can definitely score goals with Makarov (who's FAR from my favorite russian player, but no one will deny this guy could skate and score), and be somewhat competent defensively. Not good, not great, not even fair : he's competent.

Bykov is (or was?!) the national coach of Russia's team. A sound tactician on the ice, he was a fast and creative center who played in the shadow of Igor Larionov. He couldn't win a faceoff to save his life, and couldn't lead the CSKA to victory when the KLM left. He led Russia to victory in Albertville '92, and refused to come in NA when he learned that he would earn less than Valery Kamensky.


Khomutov was a winger alongside Bykov. What puzzles me is that he's an RW, and played at LW in JFF's team. Smallish player, was able to play offensively, don't have a clue about him defensively. Was a star in Switzerland.

Briefly, this is a fast line that is able to score goals. Their defensive play is a big, big question mark - and since 2/3 of this line never had to face top line or best defensive line of the opposition - one can point out their lack of experience playing against top players -- not to mention that Bykov was scratched in Canada Cup for obscure reasons. This line also averages 5'9.33 and 173 pounds. To give a comparison, my 2nd line averages 6'3 and roughly 215 pounds.

Clarke won't lose anything no matter the match-up. He will be the best skater on the ice.+1

Flyers to take the series when Patrick Roy surrenders 7 goals in the deciding game ...

+1

Flyers to take the series when Patrick Roy surrenders 7 goals in the deciding game ...

I would have no problem losing to the Flyers winning this matchup : JFF obviously drafted a great team that he probably thought a lot about, as his squad really makes sense as a squad (don't know how to put this...) sacrificing some big names in order to have a 2nd line with chemistery, amongst others.

However, is this kind of comment REALLY have its place amongst voting?

However, is this kind of comment REALLY have its place amongst voting?

no, I believe we will only be taking votes from GMs, or if posters like ClassicHockey, etc. decide to stop by and give an analysis.

no, I believe we will only be taking votes from GMs, or if posters like ClassicHockey, etc. decide to stop by and give an analysis.Sorry for trying to be funny ...

I don't think Philly's lack of an elite blueliner will hurt that much because someone like Clarke is capable of shutting down a Mahovlich or a Mikhailov, and is capable of doing it and still doing a little scoring himself.

Flyers have reserves who are superior to starters (Draper/Drury and Sydor/Svoboda), which makes the Flyers grit&toughness advantage even more pronounced. Shanahan / Clarke / Foyston is a nasty first line, and is better than Mahovlich / Apps / Mikhailov. Flyer's bottom 2 lines have great combinations of skill (Nilsson and Robitaille) and vinegar (Verbeek, Draper and Larmer)

Patrick Roy's "intensity" doesn't bode well for a series against Verbeek and Larmer and Shanahan ... if Roy's "intensity" results in powerplays, that could be huge. Curious if John drafted 3 Soviet teammates intentionally or if that was just an after-market effect ... eitherway, he gets more points for what is an awfully good 2nd line. Flyers in 6.

Why we will win:

#1. Bobby Clarke - clearly the best skater on the ice, and he'll have a dominant presence in the series. An all time great leader, he'll be setting up Shanahan and Foyston on a regular basis. I don't think it will be needed but he can also be used to shut down a top line if it's giving us too many problems.

#2. Goaltending - Miami was clearly pinning a lot of it's hope in having a decided edge in goal, and that isn't the case in this series. The goaltending match-up becomes a wash

#3. Lack of cycle game by Miami - My one true weakness could be size and strength on the blue line, but while Miami does have size, they don't have a line that is going to get a big cycle game going down low to wear down my smaller defense.

#4. Fourth line: Clear advantage.

#5. Home ice advantage - able to match lines and get Clarke out against whomever we prefer.

I think the key for Philadelphia will be their second defensive unit. Given that the top pairings will log a ton of minutes against the oppositions top lines, if Gerard/Svoboda are able to shutdown Miami's second line, I think it will swing this in their favour. I don't see that same capability to shut down Philadelphia's second line in Miami's second or third pairing. I also think that getting scoring from the fourth line will be important for Philadelphia. They have a significantly greater capacity for scoring than Miami's, and seeing as both teams only have one checking line, they'll probably need to see the ice quite a bit.

I think Miami will need their first line to step up. I like it better than Philadelphia's first line, but if there is a head to head matchup of first lines, they will need to outscore Philadelphia's first line if they want to win this series. They will also need Roy to outplay Brodeur. It's no easy task, but I think Roy is capable of taking it to a higher level.

Miami will have my vote in this matchup as Patrick Roy will steal the series for the Eagles. Miami in 7. First star: Patrick Roy

#2. Goaltending - Miami was clearly pinning a lot of it's hope in having a decided edge in goal, and that isn't the case in this series. The goaltending match-up becomes a wash

There's no wash when you have the best playoff performer of all-time between your pipe.

There's no wash when you have the best playoff performer of all-time between your pipe.

I'll gladly stack Marty's 3 Stanley Cup's, 1 Olympic Gold and 1 World Cup Champ against Roy's 4 Stanley Cup's.

GAA under 1.90 ... 1 So behind Roy in nearly 90 less games.

Goaltending is not something I'm worried about, in this series or any other.

Haven't had the chance to talk or think about this series very much.

A lot of similarities between these two teams. They're rooted in excellent goaltending. Roy/Brodeur will be one of the best goaltending battles in draft history. I think Roy might be a little better suited to his team's style of play. He's shown he can thrive behind a run-and-gun squad. We've never seen Brodeur behind a team like Philly.

They also have question marks on the blue line. Neither team has that elite, top 10 or even top 20 all-time defenceman. They have depth, but nobody who's going to thrive playing 28-30 minutes per game. I do want to see what Tom Johnson can do with the offensive green light, and Harry Howell covering for him.

Both teams can roll three lines that can score. They do it in different ways - Miami has all those big, skilled forwards, Philly might actually have a little more toughness in their top nine, with Clarke, Foytson, Shanahan and Plett. Philly's fourth line wingers are good enough to play on some teams' second line.

I would like to see more physical play from Miami's top six, since they are so friggin' big. Mikhailov's the smallest of those top six, and he might be the most physical. San Jose didn't do too well with a bunch of big, but not tough, forwards.

Miami also has the better checking line. Philly doesn't have a true checking line. Miami does. But if Miami throws Kasper out there against Clarke's line, it means the Eagles will employ a line with Petr Bondra against the Soviets, or Luc Robitaille and Kent Nilsson.

If there's a big edge in this series, I think it's in coaching. Lester Patrick is a much better coach than Mike Keenan. Patrick's one of the top 10 of all-time.

Miami also has the better checking line. Philly doesn't have a true checking line. Miami does. But if Miami throws Kasper out there against Clarke's line, it means the Eagles will employ a line with Petr Bondra against the Soviets, or Luc Robitaille and Kent Nilsson.

If there's a big edge in this series, I think it's in coaching. Lester Patrick is a much better coach than Mike Keenan. Patrick's one of the top 10 of all-time.

If I need to create a shutdown line I certainly can, I just don't feel that it's necessary is this match-up. I plan on using Clarke to go head to head top line vs. top line.

I'd also disgree regarding Keenan. In a one season, one playoff type tournament, I feel that he's in the top 10. 1 Stanley Cup, 2 Canada Cups (when they still meant something), four Stanley Cup Finals appearances.

I'll gladly stack Marty's 3 Stanley Cup's, 1 Olympic Gold and 1 World Cup Champ against Roy's 4 Stanley Cup's, 151 playoffs W (more than 35% than Brodeur at second place) and 3 Conn Smythe.

I fixed it for you.

If I need to create a shutdown line I certainly can, I just don't feel that it's necessary is this match-up. I plan on using Clarke to go head to head top line vs. top line.

I'd also disgree regarding Keenan. In a one season, one playoff type tournament, I feel that he's in the top 10. 1 Stanley Cup, 2 Canada Cups (when they still meant something), four Stanley Cup Finals appearances.
Actually, the first Canada Cup in 87 meant something. It's likely Canada's most meaningful victory between Summit and the 02 Olys. But by the time 91 Canada Cup rolled around, for whatever reason (I think largely due to the problems with the USSR), the tournament lost some its luster.

And I think quite a few coaches could have guided the 87 and 91 teams to victory.

And I think quite a few coaches could have guided the 87 and 91 teams to victory.

True for 1991 ... but a lot of coaches could have coached the 1977 Habs and 1981 Isles to Stanley Cups as well ....

The Wachovia Center is going nuts as Kate Smith finishes God Bless America. Patrick Roy is starting for the Miami Screaming Eagles and Martin Brodeur is starting for the Philadelphia Flyers.

The puck drops and the Flyers press early, 9 shots are directed at Roy in the first 6 minutes. Bobby Clarke and Brendan Shanahan are playing possesed and seem to have their way in Miami's end. Harry Howell trips up Foyston and second later Roy retaliates against Robitaille who's camped in front. The Flyers continue to press and fire 7 more shots at Roy during the 5 on 3 but can't solve him. As the last penalty finishes, Svedberg springs Bondra who's coming out of the box and he scores on Miami's first shot of the game on a breakaway. The period ends with Miami ahead 1-0

The teams settle down in an uneventful second period. The Flyers are carring a majority of the play as Miami seems content to try and sit and protect their lead. Stanowski and Behn Wilson are playing particularily strong blocking shots and clearing their zone with authority. As the period winds down Bobby Smith springs Nedomansky on another breakaway and scores on Brodeur. Its Miami's 10th shot on net and they end the period with a 2-0 lead.

The third starts much like the first with the Flyers pressing early. The momentum ends soon though after Bobby Clarke takes a goaltending interference call. The crowd is not impressed and the boos rain down when Syl Apps scores on the powerplay with a nice tip, Svedberg & Jack Crawford earn assists. The wind seems to be taken away from the Flyers and the Screaming Eagles have found some confidence. They have taken momentum away from the Flyers and add an exclamation point when Doug Weight feeds Bondra for a goal on a pretty 2 on 1 play.

The Miami Screaming Eagles skate off with a 4-0 win and the Warchovia center is in a foul mood, a much different atmosphere then when the game started.

The crowd is not impressed and the boos rain down when Syl Apps scores on the powerplay with a nice tip, Gerard and Griffis earn assists.

They play for me:D

Game 2 starts and it couldn't be soon enough for Martin Brodeur, who has had to answer alot of questions about his game 1 performance.

Both teams come out hard and Miami is definitely playing with much more confidence. The scoring chances are even after the scoreless first period. Frank Mahovlich has looked especially dangerous but both goaltenders are putting on a clinic.

The second period starts and the Flyers are starting to stand around and watch Miami go to work. 3 minutes in and the puck hasn't even left the Flyers zone. The second line of the Flyers, Khomutov, Bykov & Makarov are being schooled and soon Mikhailov scoops up another turn-over and feeds Apps for his second of the series. Brodeur is not happy and is seen having words with Bykov after the goal. The Screaming Eagles get even more life after the goal and continue to press. They fire 16 shots on Brodeur while only giving up 4. Roy is having an easy night.

The third period starts with Miami seeming content to protect their 1 goal lead. The Flyers dump it in and Howell and Tom Johnson clear it back out with ease. The Flyers carry a majority of the play but can't seem to get through the defense and garner any scoring chances. They get new life when Steve Smith goes off for cross checking but that life is short lived after Mahovlich scores shorthanded. The goal wasn't a particularily good one and Brodeur gets a bronx cheer on the next easy save after. The period and the game ends uneventfully. Miami content to play a strong defensive game and leave the Warchovia up 2 games to 0

They play for me:D

doh!


fixed.

Miami stoling the first two games on the road :eek:

I'm sure Brodeur will stand on his head in game 3 and 4, while he's having a rest from the Wachovia crowd. But will they be able to stole back 2 at Miami?

They play for me:D

No wonder the crowd booed...

With the series switching to Miami, Martin Brodeur is feeling some heat. To add fuel to the fire Patrick Roy has chimed in with a comment stating he'll never allow Brodeur to come near his playoff wins record. Perhaps Roy is feeling a little smug coming off back to back shutouts? He also comments that he feels with Miami's home crowd behind them that a sweep is more than just possible........

Miami comes out hard and Mahovlich opens the scoring two minutes in with a soft wrister. Keenan has seen enough and captain hook signals to Brodeur. Brodeur doesn't go to the bench but instead smashes his stick on the glass wanting the gate opened so he can go straight the dressing room. He has to skate past Patrick Roy to the gate and Roy is seen beaking to Brodeur as he skates off the ice. It seems Miami can do no wrong and they carry a majority of the play. Doug Weight adds another goal to make the game 2-0 and the period ends with Miami's crowd on their feet. The Flyers look to be in complete disaray having been outshot 16-3.

The second period starts and Martin Brodeur is back between the pipes. Whatever Keenan has said in between period seems to have worked and the Flyers come out flying firing 8 shots in the first couple minutes. Patrick Roy however turns everything away. The Flyers keep coming wave after wave and in a complete turn around its now Miami who's looking to be in trouble. Bobby Clarke in particular looks like a demon and has 5 scoring chances himself. They can't however solve Roy. The period continues in the Flyers favour and with a harmless dump in to change, Roy strays out of his net to clear the puck. The puck does clear the zone to the red line where Petr Svoboda one times it back into Miami's end and into an empty net from 110' out. The period ends 2-1 and the shots 21-8 for the period, 24-24 for the game.

Its a game of musical chairs for the goaltenders and Miami's crowd is wondering why Pete Peeter is starting in net. Patrick Roy is on the bench and not looking happy. The move backfires on Lester Patrick when Bobby Clarke finally makes good on his many opportunities and roofs the first shot Peeters faces and the game tied is tied 2-2. Miami withstands the early pressure however and starts to mount an attack of their own. This time its Brodeur who shuts the door robbing Apps and Nedomansky from in close. Miami is back in control of the game and carrying a majority of the play when Mark Howe is able to spring Shanahan on a breakaway who scores on Peeters. Its only Peeters 4th shot of the period and Maimi's crowd starts to chant for Roy. They erupt when he skates back out on the ice to replace a visibly upset Pete Peeters. With Roy back in net the Screaming Eagles press and press some more. Brodeur turns back everything thrown at him including a last minute break away from Bobby Smith. Time runs out on the Eagles however and the Flyers skate off with a 3-2 victory.

There are some fireworks at the horn however when Brodeur skates out to gesture to Roy. Roy obliges and skates out to center ice himself but before he can reach Brodeur, Bobby clarke intercepts and tackles Roy. There's a huge pile up at center with everyone piling on but its more a scrum and order is soon restored. Patrick Roy however gets up bleeding and has plenty of words for Brodeur and Clarke as the teams leave the ice for their dressing rooms.

Dear Murphy,

Excellent work, my good man. Please try to work a biting incident into a write-up (Aurora-Barrie perhaps?), it would be awesome.

Sincerely,

arrbez

Game 4 starts but not without some controversy from the day before. Mike keenan has asked the NHL for a pad measurement of Patrick Roy. Official word from the NHL is that the pads are legal but strangely enough Patrick Roy is starting the game sporting a new set of pads anyways.

The pace is ferocious as the puck drops and both teams go at each other hard. Kent Nilsson gets a breakaway but is denied by Roy. Andre Khomotov gets a chance in close but Brodeur is up to the task with an impossible leg kick. The play is wide open and scoring chances are numerous but both goaltenders are at the top of their game. The play goes back and forth but the goaltenders are putting on a clinic. The first period ends 0-0 and the shots 17-15 in favour of Miami.

The second period starts off right where the first left off. Bykov and Makarov execute a perfect 2 on 1 with Makarov letting the one timer go into the wide open net. Makarov already has his hands in the air when Roy comes out of nowhere with an impossible reach and snags the shot with his glove hand. Makarov slams his stick into the glass in disgust much to the delight of the Maimi crowd. The save seems to give Miami some momentum and they finish the period off with 6 unanswered shots but Brodeur handles them all. Miami again out shoots Philly 14-10 and 31-25 for the game.

The third period starts off with Miami recieving a standing ovation. The crowd seems to be willing the Eagles to a 3-1 series lead and Miami is using the underdog role to their advantage. They press hard but Brodeur isn't willing to break. The Maimi forwards hem Philly in their end and at the 8:46 mark the pressure pays off when Mikhailov pounces on a loose puck during a goal mouth scramble and taps one in. The crowd goes nuts and you can start to hear hey, hey, hey goodbye starting to come from the crowd. They keep the pressure up and contain Philly in their end up until Keenan calls a time out with 2:14 left to play. After the break the puck is dropped and the Flyers gain the zone. Brodeur scrambles to the bench with a full two minutes left to play and the extra attacker is on. The Flyers have the zone but the Eagles keeps the Flyers to the outside and with 13 seconds left Roy gets a hold of the puck and shoots it out of his end looking for the goal. The puck goes wide and the faceoff comes back to Maimi's end. Clarke wins the faceoff back to Herb Gardiner who lets a blast go through a screened Roy and into the net. Philly scores with 7 seconds left on the clock.

As the team leaves the ice to prepare for overtime. Roy and Lester Patrick are seen having a heated exchange.

The teams return for the start of overtime and both teams throw caution into the wind. Like the first and second period the pace is torrid and both teams trade quality scoring chances. Clarke takes a pass from Shanahan at full speed and is able to cut around Svedberg for a clear opportunity. He lets the shot go while tripped up by a desperate Svedberg and crashes into Roy taking the puck with him and scoring the overtime goal.

The Flyers have fought back from the 2-0 deficit and taken both games in Miami to tie the series at 2-2.

The Flyers return to Philadelphia as conquering hero's. The Warchovia Center is rocking again as Kate Smith finishes her rendition of God Bless America. There's some questions as to whether Patrick Roy is going to start as its been reported that the long simmering tensions between Roy and Lester Patrick has reached a boiling point.

There he is, between the pipes for Miami is Patrick Roy. Both teams start off strong and same story as before, both goaltenders are up to the task. Keenan hasn't played his 4th line much so far in the series but they're getting some ice time tonight. Steve larmer is looking dangerous having three scoring opportunities himself by the time the periods 1/2 over. Both teams share scoring chances but the period ends with no score. Again words are exchanged at the siren between Brodeur and Roy and the two team mill around each other in a scrum. Calrke and Nedomansky drop the gloves but don't throw any punches.

The second period starts and the action at each end gets even more ferocious. Its a goaltenders battle for the ages with neither goalie wanting to give up the first one. The Flyers gain an edge in play but Roy consistently shuts them down. With the Flyers gaining momentum Syl Apps gets whistled for hooking and the Flyers get to work on the powerplay. With a fierce battle at the net, the Flyers come close. Howell is whistled for closing his hand on the puck and the Flyers get a penalty shot. The crowd is nuts as Kent Nilsson comes down for his shot, he dekes and has Roy beat but rings it off the post...No goal!! The second period ends with no score. Roy has stopped 31 shots and Brodeur has stopped 29.

The Flyers come out flying in the third and seem to have the momentum. They fire 7 unanswered shots at Roy but he handles them all. Bobby Clarke breaks his stick in disgust and has words with Roy. He's beaking pretty good to Roy and fakes a punch. Roy responds with a blocker to Clarkes head and he drops like a stone. With Roy penalized the Flyers swarm on the powerplay but can't get one by Roy. The shots for the period is 12-0 and Roy has made 43 saves. Tom Johnson spies Bondra coming out of the penalty box and sends a long pass creating a breakaway on a cold Brodeur. Brodeur is up to the task however making a circus like save to preserve the scoreless game. With the third period winding down and overtime looming the checking lines are out on the ice with 40 seconds left in the period. Griffis fans on a pass and Steve Larmer pounces on it going around Griffis and in alone on Roy. He fires a bullet that Roy gets a peice of but it trickles up and over Roy and into the net. Larmer looks up atthe clock to see 6.3 seconds remaining on the clock.

The Flyers skate off to a delierous crowd and a 3-2 series lead.

The crowd in Miami is in a foul mood. The newspapers have been full of the rumours that Patrick Roy has walked out on the team! Nobody knows the true story but it appears to be true when Jon Casey skates out onto the ice leading his team to start the game. Boo's start raining down before the puck is even dropped.

It gets uglier when Bobby Clarke scores off the opening faceoff and drives home a slapshot 12 seconds into the game. With the crowd booing Casey, Miami seems to be a team in disarray. The Flyers have all the momentum and come out with scoring chance after scoring chance. The Clarke/Shanahan/Foyston trio are on top of their game and Kent Nilsson is also working his magic setting up Robitaille on a couple point blank opportunities. Jon Casey however seems to be have shrugged off the jitters and has rebounded with a strong game. He turns away 19 first period shots after the Clarke goal and the period ends with faint chants of Casey, Casey, Casey.

The second period starts with Miami starting to play better. They seemed inspired by Caseys play and create some scoring opportunities for themselves. The only problem being that Martin Brodeur is now at the top of his game. As slow a series start that he's had, he's turned it around and looking like classic Brodeur. He turns away 3 chances from Frank Mahovlich who's returning to his early series form. The two teams return to strong intense play, trading chance for chance. With 2:06 remeining in the period Kent Nilsson springs Willi Plett on a break away but Jon Casey is up to the task and shuts the door. Casey finishes the period with 30 saves for the period and the chants from Miami's crowd are getting louder.

The third period featured some of the finest hockey played in the series. The action is relentless as bodies are sent flying and scoring chances are numerous for both teams. Miami's starting to get a little desperate however having not been able to solve Brodeur. The crowd holds their breath as Boris Mikhailov breaks in alone on Casey. Mikhailov dekes to his backhand but Casey gets a toe on it. The Miami crowd is now standing on their feet chanting Casey! Casey! Casey! Its his fourth breakaway stop of the game. With the crowd screaming and Miami playing more desperate the play starts to swing their way. With 4:15 left to play Doug Weight finally solves Brodeur with a nice deke and ties the game. The crowd is in full party mode and the period ends 1-1. Jon Casey leaves the ice with the crowd continueing to chant his name.

Overtime starts and its bedlam in Miami. They take the play to Philly and in the first 1/2 of the period have fired 9 shots on Brodeur. They've taken momentum away and it only seems a matter of time before they'll score one. Apps and Mahovlich have some chemistry going and on every shift control the play. Mahovlich works the puck out of the corner and feeds Apps for the one time who blasts its off the crossbar! The first overtime ends with no score but Miami having a decidedly edge in play firing 17 shots Brodeurs way.

The second overtime starts and the crowd is getting tense. Bobby Clarke starts the period on a tear and is singlehandely hemming Miami in their zone with an absolute breath taking display of forechecking. Harry Howell under pressure tries to clear the puck but its deflected right to Shanahan who blasts one under the crossbar. Jon Casey doesn't even see the shot but he hears it and slumps to his knees.

The Philadelphia Flyers come back from a 2-0 deficit and win the series in 6 games.

Bobby Clarke gets first star of the series with 4 goals and three assists

Patrick Roy who started the series with back to back shuitouts earns second star orf the series.

Martin Brodeur who answered critics with sensational play to end the series earns third star

Nice work in pulling this one off, JFF. I was beginning to wonder about your team's success after you lost the opening two games.

The Philly vs. NJ match-up is, of course, a natural rivalry, and an excellent contrast in styles.

MXD, good work in this draft. Didn't know much about you entering this draft, but it's been a pleasure. See you in the next one.

Ah well....I tought Roy would steal that series....You have a good team Flyers !

Oh well... I thought I could have taken that one. Good luck to Philadelphia, you have a veyr good team with exceptionnal depth on offense... even if, I'll say it again, your second line S*CKS.

If I enter next draft -- something I should do, I'd probably keep the same "core" of players : however, I'll patch some holes and keep some of the non-sense out of the lineup. Maybe go for a less "anonymous" blueline could help...?

If I got my vote in it would have been Miami, I thought you put together a great team, especially for a first draft.

I think JFF's put together some of the best teams in past drafts but I don't like this one at all and I'm surprised they won this series.

I called for the Flyers in 7 because they had home ice advantage. If you take that out of the mix, I would have picked the Eagles.