Pronger, Briere deals deliver

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA

Danny Briere signed the richest free-agent deal in Flyers history. Chris Pronger was acquired for two first-round draft picks.

Both players have been worth the big deals now that Philadelphia is in the Stanley Cup Final. For all the reasons the Flyers have gone on this stunning ride from Eastern Conference seventh-seed to the final, the duo have easily led the way.

Win Philadelphia’s first title since 1975 and either one could be the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the playoffs MVP.

First, they have to win.

Briere scored and Pronger had an assist in Philadelphia’s 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3. That cut the Blackhawks’ series lead to 2-1. Game 4 is tonight in Philadelphia.

The win was a big one for the Flyers, who avoided the unenviable task of trying to win a series for the second time this postseason after losing the first three games. They rallied from down three games to beat Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinal.

“I think coming back from that series was huge for our confidence,” Pronger said Thursday. “But even before that, we all believed we have a good team. It is just a matter of going out and playing to that high level and our own expectations each and every night.”

Briere and Pronger have played at a high level for the last two months. Briere leads the Flyers with 11 goals and played his best in the Boston series, sparking the improbable comeback with five goals and five assists.

Briere left his spot as Buffalo’s co-captain in 2007 to sign a $52 million, eight-year contract with the Flyers a year after they posted the worst record in the NHL.

Briere, 5-foot-10, scored 53 points this year playing mostly at the wing. He returned to his natural center spot for the postseason because of injuries and played more like he did when he totaled 95 points his last season with the Sabres.

“It’s just a playoff run, but at the same time, this is one of the best times of my life,” Briere said.

Pronger has been the dominant defender — and agitator — the Flyers counted on when they sent forward Joffrey Lupul, defenseman Luca Sbisa and a slew of draft picks to Anaheim for him.

Pronger promptly signed a $34.9 million, seven-year contract extension.

It was a bold move by Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren, but it had to be made to shape the Flyers into title contenders. Pronger brought a lively personality and leadership to a locker room that needed an infusion of both. He cracks one-liners and pokes fun at the media, all with a wry smile that shows just how much he’s enjoying this run.