PHILADELPHIA, April 8 (UPI) -- Robert Esche made 37 saves and outplayed Martin Brodeur Thursday night as Philadelphia opened the playoffs with a 3-2 win over New Jersey.
In what seems to be an annual occurrence, the Flyers have lofty post-season aspirations, but are dogged by questions involving their goaltending.
Coach Ken Hitchcock tabbed Esche, who surrendered 10 goals in losing his last three starts, over Sean Burke in the opener of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
Making his first career post-season start, Esche stopped 28 shots over the first two periods as the Flyers built a 2-0 lead. After Keith Primeau extended the advantage 3:31 into the third, Esche endured some trying moments.
Esche surrendered goals to Patrik Elias and Jan Hrdina in a 35-second span as the Devils climbed within 3-2 with 15:32 remaining.
But Esche was flawless the rest of the way, coming up with a glove save on Sergei Brylin's shot from the slot with 3:04 left.
