James_Taiwan: What are your expectations for the series for the Flyers? Things seem to be going to well for the Penguins, should Michel Therrien and us fans be worried?

Shelly Anderson: The Penguins-Flyers Eastern Conference series should have a markedly different flavor from the earlier two rounds. Philadelphia is leaps and bounds better than it was a year ago with its last-place finish. But the biggest twist will be the very real rivalry between the two cross-state teams. It will be interesting to see how that translates to the postseason -- higher intensity or dirtier play or what? At least no one in Philadelphia can accuse the Penguins of tanking in the second round against the Rangers as a way of avoiding the Flyers.

from_up_there: With the Pen's being the team Canada's team now, why isn't game 2 on Saturday night and HNIC??

Shelly Anderson: It's all about TV. The weekend games between the teams in U.S. markets are probably dictated by NBC/Versus. And, you know, there might be a golf tournament or something to work around.

from_up_there: Shelly, you do a great job. Is covering the team in the post season different from the regular season?

Shelly Anderson: Thanks. Yes, it's different. With all the extra media folks and with being short, I get elbowed and have my view blocked a lot more in the interview "scrums." Seriously, it's not that much different for us except that we try to provide more coverage. I'm sure it is different for the folks we write about.

James_Taiwan: If the Penguins cannot resign Hossa, do you think they can find a cheaper goal scorer somewhere?

Shelly Anderson: Sorry, but I've got to declare a moratorium on questions about offseason wheelings and dealings. It's the conference finals, folks. Enjoy them for what they are.

from_up_there: Shelly, which Flyer do you think Ruuto will try to annoy the most?

Shelly Anderson: Good question. Whoever it is, Jaromir Jagr will be somewhere watching and empathizing. I haven't analyzed the potential line matchups -- and we don't know if the Penguins' combinations might change slightly if Max Talbot is healthy -- so I'm not sure who Jarkko Ruutu will be on the ice with. He's probably doing his homework on a few guys.

denmunny6: Gary Roberts was a beast while he was on the ice yesterday, going forward, first is Max Talbot's injury healed? And if so, who's in the lineup during game 1 on Friday?

Shelly Anderson: Max Talbot's broken foot was still too tender to play Sunday. With the next round starting Friday, it's possible he will be able to play, but that's yet to be determined. The team had today off and has an optional practice tomorrow. If he's ready and is in the lineup for the opener Friday, coach MIchel Therrien will have to pick another forward to sit. You can't touch the top two lines, maybe the top three. You probably want Georges Laraque around for the Flyers. Adam Hall, maybe, although he has played well in Gary Roberts' and Talbot's absences.

from_up_there: How do the players feel about the delay of play until Friday?

Shelly Anderson: If the nine days between the end of Round 1 and the start of Round 2 are any indictation, there's little reason for worry. After yesterday' game, most players seemed to be looking forward to a little rest before getting back into it in what will likely be a physically brutal series.

mbpensfan: Ruutu has 4 days to dig up some local dirt on Penguin Killer R.J. Umberger

Shelly Anderson: Perhaps Ryan Malone can help him there.

BadLieutenant: The non-call on Malone's high stick to Drury...What is the rule on that? The replay seemed to show the Ranger player lifting Malone's stick. Did that play any bearing on the non-call?

Shelly Anderson: We didn't ask for a specific ruling. It drew blood from Chris Drury's face, but you're right that it seemed Ryan Malone's stick was bumped by a Rangers player. Also, for whatever it's worth, it looked as if Drury was bending over and Malone's stick was not higher than the crossbar.

mbpensfan: What's the over/under how long it takes for the first fight to break out in this series?

Shelly Anderson: Maybe not as "under" as you might think. Anything can happen with these two teams, but players know they have to be smart about not putting their team at a disadvantage that could alter the course of the series. But, just to take a guess, how about Sidney Crosby and Daniel Briere at 5:27 of the second period of Game 1 in front of the benches?

theWellHungarian: is it true that Gary Roberts does not wear a watch, and he decides what time it is?

Shelly Anderson: Not quite. Alas, even he is beholden to the whims of the broadcasting networks that hold the NHL rights.

Justin: Gerber, lundqvist, biron, who is the best goalie out of those three right now? I think lunqvist is better than Biron.

Shelly Anderson: Just looking at Games 4 and 5 against the Penguins, I would have to agree that it is the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist. Plus, overall, he got less goal support than Martin Biron got from R.J. Umberger and the Flyers. Trumping all three right, by the way, is Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.

malkin71: Which line do you think Derian Hatcher will be matched against? I bet Sykora and Crosby will have extra motivation to win this series anytime he's around.

Shelly Anderson: As I wrote earlier, I haven't started to analyze matchups yet, nor have I corresponded with anyone in Philadelphia yet. That said, I can't imagine anyone with the Penguins, especially Sidney Crosby, needs one iota of extra motivation.