5 reasons why Philadelphia Flyers will win Stanley Cup

4. Goaltending…maybe

Goaltending is always the No. 1 X factor in any playoff match, and it will be the same way for the Flyers as they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round.

Brian Elliott once usurped Jake Allen’s starting job with the St. Louis Blues in the playoffs because he was playing so well. That hasn’t exactly been the case this season, though, to be fair, he’s been recovering from core muscle surgery. The injury caused him to miss 53 days.

Though Elliott’s return against the Carolina Hurricanes was shaky, he had a stout showing in the Flyers’ 5-0 shutout of the New York Rangers to end the regular season, in which Elliott stopped all 17 shots he faced.

Of course, Elliott could easily prove to be a detriment to the Flyers. He didn’t perform great against the Penguins this season, allowing nine goals in five periods. Philadelphia can only wait and see if he’s up to the task.