Sergei Bobrovsky (February 2, 2011 - Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images North America)
The Flyers are looking solid in their run toward the playoffs and their goalies are, in part, to thank for that. Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher have been solid for the Flyers this year. The NHL posted a story on their play as a tandem in February and there are a few words from Boucher and the teams goalie coach Jeff Reese on the situation. The current question the Flyers are faced with is who the go to goalie in the playoffs will be? This article offers some valid points in favor of both goalies.
Brian Boucher has the veteran experience and was able to beat the Devils in the first round last year before being injured. Even with his experience, I think Sergei Bobrovsky is going to get the nod come the first round of the playoffs. He was relatively unknown until this (his rookie) year and he has been outstanding. He would probably be competing in the AHL with Johan Backlund right now if Michael Leighton had not been injured. Bobs numbers this season have been exceptional for a rookie and I think he has managed to outplay Boosh this season. His poise and abilities will ultimately lead Peter Laviolette to choose him to start the playoffs, in my opinion. Will Bobs handle the pressure of the playoffs and become this year’s Antti Niemi? We shall have to wait and see. I agree with Sam Carchidi in that Bobs is going to probably be the starter and Boucher will be there to take over if he stumbles at all. And don’t forget that last year’s playoff hero (or sieve) Michael Leighton is in Adirondack waiting for another opportunity in the NHL and he has proved that he can play in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Brian Boucher (December 19, 2010 - Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images North America)
