The JRFlyers will be taking on the New Hampshire Jr Monarchs in the Semi Finals of the Eastern Hockey League Playoffs. They met twice in the regular season, both times in Showcase Format, and they split the season series. The first meeting was October 10th, Dougherty put the JRFlyers ahead in the first minute of the game. Monarchs answered midway through the period to tie things up. Taylor reclaimed the lead for Philadelphia but less than thirty seconds later the Monarchs evened up the score again. The Monarchs took the lead near the midway point of the final period and hung on for the 3-2 win. The second meeting was in December just before the break. Again, Dougherty scored first for the JRFlyers and then Papayoanou put the JRFlyers up 2-0. In the final period Taylor put the game away making it 3-0. Kneedler added an empty netter and the JRFlyers came away with a 4-0 victory.

The JRFlyers are the #2 Seed and will host the #3 Seed Monarchs at the Ice Line this weekend. The Monarchs are coming off a Quarterfinal matchup with the rival Northern Cyclones. Game 1 had 14 total penalties called as the Monarchs came away with a 2-0 win. Game 2, the Monarchs were in control having a 3-0 lead after the 2nd period. The Cyclones were able to score but it was too late. The Monarch iced the game with an empty netter and punched their ticket to the Semi Finals with a 4-1 win over the rival Cyclones.

It took Game 3, but the JRFlyers defeated the East Coast Wizards to move on to the Semi Finals (Full Article was Released Monday 3-20) When the JRFlyers lost Game 2 it snapped a 17 game win streak but the team bounced back strong. A three goal first period set the tone and when the final horn sounded the JRFlyers won 4-1. Before defeating the Cyclones, the Monarchs swept the Boston Bandits in the 1st Round with a 1-0 overtime win, and a 5-0 win. It’s time to go “By the Numbers” as we find out what to watch for this weekend.

Top Scorers Regular Season

Philadelphia JRFlyers: Dougherty/Nilsson 43pts, Manning-39pts, Taylor-37pts, Hinderliter-30pts

            Playoffs:  Kneedler- 7pts, Benitez-4pts, Kubara-4pts, Taylor-4pts, Hinderliter-3pts

New Hampshire Monarchs: Derek Neal-49pts, Derek Tillotson-36pts, Alex Hopkins-32pts

Dillon Radin-32pts, Derek Britner 28pts.

               Playoffs: Joey Abel-5pts, Radin-4pts, Troy Nelson-3pts, Jake Shultz 3pts, Neal 2pts

Goaltending (Playoff Numbers): JRFlyers- Mac Vail 4-1, GAA 1.60, SV% .944, 1 SO

                                                                   Monarchs- Jacob Weatherly 2-0, GAA .50, SV% .985, 1 S0

                                                                        Stephen Gasior 2-0, GAA 0.00, SV% 1.000, 2 SO

Playoffs: JRFlyers swept Wolfpack in 1st Round, vs Wizards 2-1 Series Win

                Monarchs: swept Bandits in 1st Round, swept Cyclones in 2nd Round

Game Schedule

(All Game at Ice Line)

Game 1 Friday 3/24                  6pm

Game 2 Saturday 3/25           6pm

Game 3 Sunday 3/26             1pm  (If Necessary)

By: Joe Sindoni

Staff Writer

Play By Play Announcer