Penguins vs. Flyers

This afternoons game did not disappoint those who love a hard fought, physical battle. This game had grit, toughness, and lots of goals.

Heroes of the game: Sidney Crosby (2 goals, 2 assists) & Ruslan Fedotenko (2 goals, 1 assist). Pascal Dupuis gets an honorable mention for his hard work and 3 assists.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been hot recently, getting 5 points in the last 3 games. It doesn't get any easier though as Pittsburgh takes the short trip to Washington to face Ovechkin and the Capitals.

Their new style of hockey may have worked (somewhat) against the Flyers and Canadians, but with the firepower Washington has they don't want to end up in a scoring spree with this team. Beware of the Capitals.

The game winner was one of the wierdest plays I have ever seen! Pascal Dupuis splits the defense on a beautiful breakout pass. Biron came out to challenge, got the puck in his glove but threw it behind himself. The puck seemed to get stuck in his glove. Dupuis just pushed it to the net. Crosby got to it before the defenseman and tapped it into the net.

Gonchar looks like he is going to be a spark that the Penguins needed, but only time will tell if it is going to be long term. Right now they are playing with an intensity that could mean the playoffs...but will they be tired if they get there? The definitely have the talent to be a contender.

Who am I keeping my eye on to fall and be overtaken by the Penguins? Montreal & New York. Both teams have only won 2 games in their last 10. Teams that come together in this part of the season make the playoffs...Teams that fall apart fall off the map. Keep an eye on those teams.