[Chris]

The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the New Jersey Devils at the Wachovia Center on Thursday to take a 1-0 lead in the best of 7 Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series. The Flyers dominated the first 40 minutes of hockey, while the Devils came alive and nearly stole the game away, Robert Esche finished as he started though, making save after save to capture the opening game for Philadelphia.
Philadelphia scored the lone first period goal by Simon Gagne at 10:19 of the opening frame. Robert Esche made many key saves in the first to stop the Devils in their tracks. The Flyers knew that they needed to get an early lead to have the real advantage against the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
In the second period, Alexei Zhamnov and Kim Johnsson worked to feed a perfect pass to Jeremy Roenick who banged home the one timer at 3:53 of the second period. The goal was scored on a powerplay. Robert Esche kept the Devils at bay throughout that period.
The game became a little more exciting than Flyers fans needed towards the final minutes. All started off well as Keith Primeau scored a goal at 3:31 of the final period. That lead was quickly taken away as two Devils goals by Patrik Elias and Jan Hrdina both slid the puck past Robert Esche to narrow the Philadelphia lead to a score of 3-2.
Both teams traded shots and blows towards the end of the game, but no more goals were scored. The Flyers came out with a 3-2 victory, barely escaping a Devils onslaught. The Flyers now lead the series 1-0. Game two of the series will take place at the Wachovia Center on Saturday at 7:30PM on Comcast Sports Net. Hopefully, the Flyers can keep up the great work, and Robert Esche can keep the defending champs at bay between the pipes.

POST GAME HIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME -- ROBERT ESCHE
Robert played an awesome game between the pipes for the Flyers tonight. Besides the two goals in the third period, I think that he really played his best. If he keeps it up, this team will go deep into the playoffs.

NOTE: I changed the format a little bit to more of a reporting standpoint. Give me some feedback as to whether you like this format or not. THANKS AND GO FLYERS!

[Jlg-28]

good job as always , format looks good , I agree the Flyers almost let this one get away , but unlike years past they found the way to hold N. J off and hold on to the game one win

[Chris]

Thanks, I went over the survey's and it seems like the majority of the HIVERS like this format for those that missed parts of or the whole game. I like doing these because I can also add parts of my opinion in the player of the game section.

[Drew]

Excellent article. I'll say it again, great game by both teams!

Bottom line? Esche > Brodeur in this one.

WAY TO GO FLYERS!!!!! Get another W on Saturday night!