Flyers still waiting for an opponent: Caps or Bruins?

There are advantages and disadvantages to quickly dispatching a first round opponent like the Flyers did when they beat the Devils in 5 games. While the Flyers do get the benefit of sitting back and resting, there is always the worry that they could get rusty and lose their momentum.

With one more Eastern Conference series still going, the Flyers have yet to find out their second round opponent. While the Bruins and Penguins have managed to advance to the second round in the East, the Capitals/Canadiens series holds the key as to who the Flyers will play. Should the Capitals win, they will be the Flyers opponent in Round 2; should the Canadiens win, the Flyers go to Boston to take on the Bruins.

There has been much discussion over the last few days as to who we should be hoping the Flyers play in the second round. While I do understand the camp that says "bring 'em on" and wants to play the Capitals, I'm all for the Canadiens knocking them completely out of the picture. Even though the Capitals have struggled in the playoffs, why would I want the Flyers to play the most dangerous team in the Eastern Conference? I'd much prefer a more manageable series against a Bruins team that has some real difficulty scoring.

No matter who they are matched up with in the second round, the Flyers should be in for a competitive, although very different, series. If it's the Capitals, expect a ton of up and down action and plenty of goal-scoring. If it's the Bruins, expect a lot of defensive strategy and 2-1 games. When it all comes down to it, though, I'm just glad it won't be the Penguins. Let's save them for the Eastern Conference Finals.