Boucher tops Hasek, gets ready for Jagr
Associated Press
VOORHEES, N.J. -- After outplaying the NHL's premier
goaltender, Dominik Hasek, in the first round of the playoffs,
Philadelphia Flyers rookie goalie Brian Boucher now must face the
league's premier player: Jaromir Jagr.
|  | | Boucher has another major challenge ahead, namely Jaromir Jagr. |
Jagr will lead Pittsburgh against the Flyers in the Eastern
Conference semifinals, which is expected to start Thursday or
Friday in Philadelphia. The Penguins eliminated Washington in five
games Friday.
Boucher allowed just eight goals for a 1.57 goals-against
average in Philadelphia's five-game victory over Buffalo. But he
said the Penguins present more of an offensive challenge than the
Sabres.
"They're a different team," Boucher said following Saturday's
practice. "They rely on offense while Buffalo relied on defense
and goaltending. They're dangerous offensively."
Jagr, who won his fourth scoring title in six years despite
missing nearly a quarter of the regular season with various
injuries, did not fare well against the Flyers this season, getting
just one assist in three games. Jagr's teammates weren't much
better as the Flyers went 4-0-1 in the series.
But the Flyers place little emphasis on their regular-season
success against Pittsburgh.
"That gets thrown out the window once the playoffs start,"
forward Mark Recchi said. "It gives you a little bit of
confidence, but it's not something you dwell on. They beat a good
team in five games."
Forward Rick Tocchet said Pittsburgh's skating and passing
skills make the Penguins more potent on offense.
"You make a mistake against them and the puck is in the net,"
he said. "They have the best player in the world. If you watch
them practice, you'll think you'll never beat them. They pass the
puck and skate better than any team in the league."
Boucher, who started 35 games and had a 1.91 goals-against
average in the regular season, was 2-0-1 against Pittsburgh.
He said the series is "just another test."
Interim coach Craig Ramsay doesn't see any reason why the
23-year-old rookie will be intimidated.
"He played the games down the stretch. He played Pittsburgh in
their building and was brilliant," Ramsay said. "Nothing seems to
phase this kid."
While the Flyers know who they'll meet in the second round, they
still don't know who will be their coach.
Roger Neilson was scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia on
Saturday night after going to Dallas last week because he felt he
was a distraction. Neilson left the team Feb. 19 to pursue
aggressive treatment for multiple myeloma, a rare form of bone
marrow cancer he was diagnosed with Dec. 9.
He wanted to return for the first round, but general manager Bob
Clarke along with Neilson's doctors determined he wasn't ready.
Ramsay said he spoke with Neilson on Friday and is awaiting a
decision.
"Whatever they decide, the players will handle it," Ramsay
said Saturday afternoon. "I just show up and work, wear whatever
hat I have to." |
