Flyers advance to second round with win over rivals

The Philadelphia Flyers came through a tough match up with their Pennslyvania rivals Pittsburgh with a 4-2 series win and set up a difficult match up against the Caroline Hurricanes. 

The team started and finished the Penguins series with commanding 6-0 wins that really set their marker down as a strong contender that is firing on all cylinders at the right time. Especially after a very lackluster finish to the regular season. They will need to carry that momentum into the next round.

Round 2 Match-up

Players to watch

Artemi Panarin 

Panarin had an unusually quiet first round registering 1 point in the six part series. However he has too much quality to stay quiet for long . 

The Canes beat a strong Panthers team without Panarin making his mark so if he starts to light the lamp the Flyers will find it hard to keep up.

Sean Couturier

The reigning Conn Smythe winner has his work cut for him in nulifying the threat of Panarin throughout round 2. Coots is not only relied on to shut down the top players but also lead the team from the front registering 8 points in the first round and leading the team on time on ice.

How Coots plays at both ends of the ice will be a huge factor in the Flyers chances at progressing to the Lemieux conference final.

All the best to both teams.