NHL Playoffs: Flyers, Boucher beat adversity

Relief. It was painted all over the face of Brian Boucher as he was congratulated by teammates following Tuesday’s 5-2 series-clinching win over Buffalo.

The veteran goalie even got a personal handshake from notoriously critical radio personality Howard Eskin. And why not? The last time Boucher started a Game 7 — 11 years ago — he found himself on the losing end.

“When you are younger, it’s hard to look at the big picture and put things in perspective,” Boucher said. “You let your emotions get the best of you sometimes, but I have had to deal with adversity a lot during my career and somehow I keep sticking around.”

Boucher, the centerpiece of the Flyers’ three-goalie rotation against the Sabres, said he is looking forward to some time off as the team awaits its second-round opponent. He’s certainly earned it, after outdueling Ryan Miller in the first round.

“We will take a little breather here and get ready for the next series,” Boucher said. “I don’t know who it will be, but it’s just nice to get past this first round.”