Flyers' Strength Trumps Rangers' Finesse in Game 2

Published on 21-Apr-2014 by J Square Humboldt

NHL    NHL Daily Update

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Flyers' Strength Trumps Rangers' Finesse in Game 2

It's a contrast in style that's not very subtle.

But then, not much in a Stanley Cup playoff game is subtle.

Still, the Philadelphia Flyers are a team built on a legacy of lunch-bucket grit with an occasional flair for artistry. The New York Rangers tried and died with power systems such as the one demanded by former coach and current Canuck-wrecker John Tortorella. They're now back to a finesse game under the tutelage of coach Alain Vigneault, who was fired from the Canucks because they didn't see finesse working in the grind that is the Stanley Cup gauntlet.

Goals in Game 2 of their first-round Stanley Cup series showed the best of each world. The Rangers scored on sheer artistry, while the Flyers tallies were based on pure power:

Clearly, the Rangers aren't afraid of contact. They do what they can to meet Philadelphia on their terms, but they miss the edge Ryan Callahan used to give them in that department.

The Blueshirts can win on their own merits, but if it gets down to a series that puts a premium on physicality, the Flyers will prevail.