[Nickphillies]

Flyers draw the New York Islanders, who finished with a 22-22-4 record to earn the 7th seed.



OFFENSE: The Islanders are heavily reliant on their top line of Derek King-Ray Ferraro-Ziggy Palffy, as all three scored over 15 goals and had over 35 points. Everyone else was under 20 points. Meanwhile Philadelphia had three 20+ goal scorers(Forsberg, Renberg, and Bure). Pretty easy to determine who has the advantage.
ADVANTAGE: Philadelphia

DEFENSE: The Islanders only allowed 126 goals and play a very stingy game so if they are to have a chance this series they will need to continue the stingy defense. With five players with over 50 hits, they aren't afraid to throw their weight around. The Flyers still have one of the youngest bluelines and they are getting healthy at the right time with Malakhov and Desjardins returning.

ADVANTAGE: Draw

GOALTENDING: Ron Hextall and Garth Snow were 12th and 13th in GAA, but they are Mark Fitzpatrick was in the Top five and held down a 92.0SV%. If Fitzpatrick can keep that pace up he could lead an upset of the Atlantic Division Champs. Hextall has experience in his corner and can turn his game up a notch come playoff time.

ADVANTAGE: Draw

Prediction: Flyers in Six