NHL Playoffs 2012: Eastern Conference Semi-Finals Philadelphia Flyers Scenarios

With the Penguins finally in the rear-view mirror, the Flyers and their fans wait in anticipation. In the words of Goldberg from WCW/WWE, I am critically thinking "who's next?!"

The Flyers are the first team in the Eastern Conference to finish their series, and the other three series are down to one or two games left. So, I am here to analyze, theorize and predict the Flyers' chances of advancing to the Eastern Conference finals.

1. The Florida Panthers

Season Record against the Panthers: 3 Wins; 1 Loss

What would have to happen: The Panthers beat the Devils, the Rangers beat the Senators and Washington bests the Bruins. 

Short Analysis: With Philadelphia taking three of the four games against the Panthers this season, it gives me, and probably others as well, a good chunk of confidence. (Fair warning, this is going to be fairly biased, so forgive me, if you will.)

To me, the Panthers don't have much depth in offense, defense or in the net. They do, however, seem to find a good way to tire out their opponents, and it shows in their series against the Devils. The Panthers' goaltenders, Jose Theodore and Scott Clemmensen, let up a combined total of 15 goals in 6 games against the Devils. 

For the Flyers, this is the best case scenario for the next round. The Flyers could easily exploit the Panthers to the fullest degree. I do put some faith in the Panthers though. I think they'll at least win a clean game, but that's about it.

Predicted Result: Flyers 4, Panthers 1

2. The Washington Capitals

Season Record against the Capitals: 3 Wins; 1 Loss

Short Analysis: Before Bruce Boudreau left Washington, the Capitals had beaten the Flyers once. After Dale Hunter replaced Boudreau, the Capitals wouldn't win another game in the regular season against the Flyers.

The last time the Capitals met the Flyers in the playoffs, the Flyers had beaten the Capitals, but that was four years ago, and these teams have changed from those of yester-years.

With 10 players getting 30-plus points in the regular season, this years' Capitals can be incredibly versatile. Of course with captain Alexander Ovechkin, it would be another good series, but I think the Flyers would take it in the end.

Predicted Results: Flyers 4, Capitals 2

3. The Ottawa Senators

Season Record against the Senators: 2 Wins; 2 Losses

What would have to happen: Boston loses the Capitals, Florida gets beaten by New Jersey and the Rangers lose to the Senators.

Short Analysis: With both teams taking an even split, I'd think that the series could go either way. With the Senators winning the latter two games in the regular season, if they beat the Rangers they will either be on a tremendous roll or be too tired to fight.

The Flyers have met with the Senators twice in the postseason—the first series in 2002 and the second matchup coming the year after in 2003. Each postseason bout between these teams has been decided in the way of the Senators.

Again, these are two completely different teams then they were years ago, but it'd still be a drawn out series.

Predicted Results: Flyers 4, Senators 2

4. The New Jersey Devils

Season Record against the Devils: 3 Wins; 3 Losses

What would have to happen: This can happen two ways. One, the Devils win their series, the Rangers beat Ottawa and Washington beats Boston. Two, again, the Devils win their series, Ottawa beats the Rangers and Boston wins against Washington. 

Short Analysis: Being one of two division rivals left in the playoffs, this, and possibly the Bruins, would be another exciting matchup for the Flyers.

Out of the Rangers and the Devils, I'd rather have the Flyers go up against the Devils. That being said, a series against the Devils would be one series that I could see the Flyers going to Game 7 to win. The other series being against the Bruins.

Brodeur is one of my all-time favorite goalies, so I'll keep my fanboy-ing to a minimum. Marty usually posts a solid series backed by a list of good defensive players. Then with Ilya Kovalchuk, Patrick Elias, Zach Parise and many more, this is another triple threat team—strong on offense, defense and in net.

The Flyers just did that against the Penguins, the only major difference is that Brodeur will most likely be consistent.

Predicted Result: Flyers 4, Devils 3