2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Review: (M2) New York Rangers vs. (M3) Philadelphia Flyers

Series Summary

The Flyers would start the scoring 7 minutes into Game 1, but the their lead didn't last long, as the Rangers tied it 3 minutes later. In the third, Flyers rookie Jason Akeson was asses a double-minor for high sticking. The Rangers took full advantage of the powerplay, scoring twice. Carl Hagelin would add another, as the Rangers take the first game of the series. In Game 2, it was New York opening the scoring, getting two goals in the opening 9 minutes. Philadelphia would get one back before the period ended. Akeson would redeem himself for his penalty last game, scoring the tying goal (a powerplay one no less) in the second. Luke Schenn would add one 5 minutes later to give the Flyers the lead. Wayne Simmonds would add in empty net goal as insurance, as the Flyers tied the series. Game 3 started like Game 2, with the Rangers scoring the first 2 goals before the Flyers answered back with 1. This time however, the Flyers couldn't answer back. The Rangers would add a goal in both the second and third periods to once again take the series lead. The Rangers would come out flying in Game 4, but despite having a huge shot advantage in the first (16-6 for the Rangers), the score was tie 1-1. Jakub Voracek would score on the powerplay in the second, and that was all the Flyers needed, as they tied the series again. Game 5 saw New York being less shoot-y more score-y. They had a goal in the first and 2 in the second before Philadelphia would get on the board. The Flyers would pull the game within 1 late in the third, but the Rangers sealed the game a minute later on an empty net goal. Facing elimination in Game 6, the Flyers didn't want to go quietly. Philadelphia would open the scoring in the first, then proceed to score 3 times in the second period. It would prove to be too much for New York, as Philadelphia would win the game 4-2 and tie the series up for a third time. Game 7 started pretty evenly, with both teams getting double digits in shots yet end up scoreless in the first. Daniel Carcillo would get the first goal of the game early in the second, tapping in a no-look pass by Mats Zuccarello Aasen. Benoit Pouliot would blast one past Steve Mason later in the period. The Flyers would pressure in the third, but only Akeson would find a way past Henrik Lundqvist. The Rangers eliminate the Flyers in 7 games.

Games

Philadelphia Flyers 1
New York Rangers 4

Philadelphia Flyers 4
New York Rangers 2

New York Rangers 4
Philadelphia Flyers 1

New York Rangers 1
Philadelphia Flyers 2

Philadelphia Flyers 2
New York Rangers 4

New York Rangers 2
Philadelphia Flyers 5

Philadelphia Flyers 1
New York Rangers 2

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. It was nice to see Akeson redeem himself after that Game 1 penalty.
2. It's weird, goaltending didn't cost the Flyers the series.
3. For a series that was back-in-forth in games, it didn't seem that way when it came to goals.

Picture of the Series

Carcillo stares down angry Flyers fans.

(Image via @SensChirp)

Highlight of the Series

They breed 2 things in Norway: Skiers and Wizards. I'm sure Wizard Zuccarello Aasen is just playing hockey as a hobby.