Philadelphia Flyers Back on Track, Open Series with Big Win

I don't think anyone expected a score like this. At least not Montreal fans.

Everyone knew Philly could score, but 6-0? That's not just a win, that's sending a message to Montreal: the Cinderella story is over.

Last night's big win in Philadelphia finally proved that Montreal goalie Jaroslav Halak is human. He faced 14 shots and let in four of them. That's not the same goalie we all saw take down Ovechkin and then Crosby. That's not even half of what we've seen from him.

So, how did it happen? Simple: bodies in front of the net.

Philadelphia put their big guys in Halak's line of sight and he had no chance. They simply outplayed the Canadiens on the boards, down low and in the battles in front of the net. There was nothing the Habs goalie(s) could do.

Montreal had its chances, though. They just couldn't put it past Philly goalie Mike Leighton. They had power plays, they had breakaways, and chances around the crease, but the Habs just weren't in this one.

The guys on the Canadiens who are usually producing the offense also couldn't get it together defensively. Cammalleri was -1, Plekanec and Gionta were -2, and it seemed as though Halak couldn't stop anything.

Philly came to play and Montreal didn't. The Habs were out-skated and outplayed from start to finish and it was reflected in the final score. You can't go down 6-0 in the playoffs, especially in game one. That's not going to get you anywhere.

Until Montreal figures out a way to shove the Flyers away from their goalies, they're going to have some long and tough nights. Great game by Philadelphia, they earned it. It must feel nice not to come back from behind for once.