Flyers Playoff Notes & Video: Pronger, Lappy, and Ghosts of Series Past

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As is usually the case with injuries during the NHL playoffs, the Flyers are keeping us guessing on Chris Pronger's availability for the opening round. We could type up each development here (Briere's radio comments, coach's demeanor, Pronger's own words, etc.), but I really don't think any of them are giving us anything more than smoke given how the story keeps changing and never seems to be anything solid. With a player that impacts as many minutes of a game as Pronger does, opposing coaches could factor his presence (or lack thereof) into strategies, and the Flyers aren't giving Lindy Ruff much to go on at the moment. [Frank Seravalli

Obviously #20 would be a huge addition to the Flyers' blue line, which Keith Jones says is better than that of the Sabres with or without Big Pronga. [Dan Roche talks with Keith Jones]

This week's opening round series against the Sabres marks the eighth time the two teams have met each other in the postseason. The Flyers won the first, which was the Stanley Cup Finals matchup in 1975 and featured the Fog/Bat game:

Lisa Hillary takes us through a few more of the highlights of the storied Flyers-Sabres series: 

The beats were atweet with the news that Ian Laperriere was skating with the team today, although not as a player. Panotch says he will assist the coaches with the scratches throughout the playoffs. Sounds like great news to me. When I heard the local hockey writers had nominated Lappy for the Masterton Trophy, of course I was happy for him, but it also reminded me that this team has been lacking a certain Lappiness lately. Goddamn I miss that guy. Hopefully just having him around on the ice will remind everyone, but especially the role players, what is expected of them. [@tpanotch]

The Flyers depth in the forward lines and defense pairings is a well-known obstacle for opposing teams in a seven-game series, even though they haven't all played to their potential lately. But the Sabres aren't as top-heavy as they may seem, with a strong second line that may not have the name recognition of their top line, but they are dangerous. [Broad Street Hockey

Interested in seeing how previous Eastern Conference playoff matchups have gone, and whether that has predictive value for the Flyers going forward? [The Checking Line]

How about a no-nonsense, just the facts interview with a Sabres blog, with no sarcasm of any kind? [Flyers Goal Scored By]

Finally, some more great work by Mr Flyer Guy, who brings us this pump-up video:

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