#2 Philadelphia Flyers vs #3 Boston Bruins
OFFENSE: John LeClair is leading the playoffs with six goals in five games, while Peter Forsberg leads the team with nine points. So look for the top line of the Flyers to continue. Meanwhile in Boston Craig Janney and Ted Donato are supplying the offense. Cam Neely is recovering from an injury and should be available for Game 1. He could provide some much needed offense for Boston in this series.
Advantage: Philadelphia
DEFENSE: Bruins are led by All-Star defenseman Ray Bourque and it'll be his and Garry Galley's task to control the Legion of Doom in Philadelphia. Glen Wesley and Don Sweeney will also be called upon to deal with the lethal Philadelphia offense. In Philadelphia, the Flyers will be without Malakhov as he suffered a bruised foot in Game 4, but the top line of Sandis Ozolinsh and Sergei Gonchar should be able to handle the Bruins top line. Terry Carkner will provide some experience in Malakhov's place until he returns. The young defense held the Isles top line in check and the Islanders could only get six goals in the five games.
Advantage: Draw
GOALTENDING: Ron Hextall has been lights out for the playoffs allowing just six goals while posting a 95.5SV% and a 1.20GAA. Jim Carey handled the New Jersey offense enough to lead his team to victory allowing 15 goals and a 91.7SV%.
Advantage: Philadelphia
Series Prediction: Flyers in Seven