Even if they had Claude Giroux available for Game 5, the Flyers would have a very tough time to avoid elimination by the Devils if the Flyers can't find a way to clear their zone. Not having Giroux really hurts, especially on the power play; but much as Ilya Kovalchuk's loss to the Devils in Game 2 worked out for New Jersey, perhaps the Devils make a mistake by relaxing just a trace more against the Flyers in this game. If so, all the Flyers have to do is find a consistent way to get the puck through the neutral zone, and to keep the Devils from incessantly cycling the puck around Ilya Bryzgalov's net.

The Flyers have had a tough time dumping the puck in over the Devils' forecheckers, because the Devils defense has been much quicker than expected, and because goalie Marty Brodeur is still great at handling the puck and turning it back the other way. The Flyers simply have to find another way.

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On another matter, the Flyers might get a heartfelt speech from suspended Giroux before the game. But don't expect anything from another missing captain -- Chris Pronger.

No Pronger locker room visits have been paid since back in the regular season. As far as we know, he hasn't been to games, is purposely the concussed captain staying away. Pronger's late-season visit after he'd missed months with the concussion "was nice to see," Danny Briere said. "We seemed to play better after that. But I don't know if he can help (now). This has got to be done by us."