Eastern Conference finals: Flyers vs. Canadiens

EAST

No. 7 Philadelphia Flyers vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens

Regular-season records: Flyers 41-35-6, Canadiens 39-33-10.

Regular-season scoring leaders: Flyers — Mike Richards 31 goals, 31 assists—62 points. Canadiens — Tomas Plekanec 24-45—70.

Playoff scoring leaders: Flyers — Richards 5-12—17. Canadiens — Michael Cammalleri 12-6—18.

Playoff special teams: Power play — Flyers 21.7%, Canadiens 21.6%. Penalty killing — Flyers 83.6%, Canadiens 85.5%.

Goaltending (expected starters): Flyers — Michael Leighton 1.55 goals-against average, .943 save percentage in three games. Canadiens — Jaroslav Halak 2.42 goals-against average, .933 save percentage.

The Flyers qualified for the postseason by winning in a shootout in their regular-season finale, then went on to become the first team since the 1975 New York Islanders to win a playoff series after trailing 3-0. Captain Mike Richards’ leadership has been questioned, but he was a force in their five-game victory against the New Jersey Devils and comeback against the Boston Bruins, finishing every check while leading his team in scoring. Danny Briere (seven goals) and Claude Giroux (five goals) have sparked the offense and Simon Gagne, who scored the series-winning goal against Boston, has looked good since returning from a toe injury. Chris Pronger isn’t the menace he once was, but he can still thump. Daniel Carcillo is effective as an agitator, so the Canadiens must be disciplined when he is on the ice.

Goaltending remains the Flyers’ biggest question mark. Leighton took over in Game 5 after Brian Boucher suffered a leg injury and got the job done with a lot of help from a cobbled-together defense.

Montreal was the feel-good story of the playoffs until the Flyers came along. The Canadiens won the hearts of their compatriots by disposing of the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins thanks to great goaltending by Halak, who has seen an average of more than 34 shots per game. He has been supported by timely goals from Michael Cammalleri, who has three game-winners, and Brian Gionta (seven goals, 12 points).

The Canadiens are small up front, but the Flyers will have to catch them in order to push them around. Towering, 6-foot-7 defenseman Hal Gill was slowed in the second round by a cut to his calf and must be at full strength for the Canadiens to contain the Flyers’ offense. Both teams have momentum, but Halak’s goaltending could make the difference.