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Game 2: Devils at Flyers

Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov did not play well in Game 1. (MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer)

Posted: May 02, 2012

Players to watch

FLYERS:Scott Hartnell

The Flyers' leading scorer through the regular season with 37 goals has just two tallies in seven playoff games this spring. Hartnell's tireless work in the helped produce Claude Giroux's 15-point run, but it's time for Hartnell to get back on the score sheet.

DEVILS:Ilya Kovalchuk

He was held without a shot in Game 1 for the first time since Nov. 23, 2011. Kovalchuk was not available to meet the media on Monday. A team spokesman said he was getting "treatment," furthering injury speculation. Kovalchuk has eight points in New Jersey's three wins against the Flyers this season and zero points in their four losses.

Three keys to the game

1.

Apply Pressure: The Flyers were at their best on Sunday afternoon when New Jersey's defensemen were bobbling the puck behind their own goal line because of the Flyers' pressure. They attacked New Jersey in waves and it led to multiple scoring chances.

2.

Matchups: Contrary to popular belief, Sean Couturier's line was not keyed against Kovalchuk and Travis Zajac. Instead, Couturier was matched up with Zach Parise, Dainius Zubrus, and Patrik Elias, and limited them to just one goal.

3.

The goalies: Ilya Bryzgalov was not anywhere near spectacular on Sunday, but he made enough saves for the Flyers to win, including in the first period when they were outshot by 11-0 to start the game.

- Frank Seravalli