A few notes about Game 5 Pens vs. Flyers

The penguins played a great first period, outshooting the Flyers 15-5 in the period. The moment that FSN cameras stopped rolling on the air, the Penguins quit rolling.

Marty Biron brought them through the onslaught of the 1st period until the Flyers could get some offense going.

If there truly were no injuries to Letang or Sykora, I think the line changes were not necessary. Something was fixed that was not broken. I'm sure Dan Byslma does not read my blog, but he should put the lines back the way they were. They have chemistry. Petr Sykora said he was surpised that he was not in the lineup and I have to say, so was I.

I still hold to my view that the Pens will win in 6.

Game 4 - Flyers vs. Penguins 2009

There is one thing that makes a goalie elite in the NHL, and that is the ability to steal a game every once in a while. Marc-Andre Fleury did just that last night. He stopped 45 out of 46 shots (.978 save percentage). All of his postseason games, except game 3, he has had a 95% save percentage or higher. He has gained his elite status in my mind.

He made at least four saves that could have gone in to the net. He was on top of his game last night. The Penguins were also outshot 46-26, which has not been the norm since Dan Bylsma took over as head coach.

I feel very good about my prediction that Tyler Kenedy was going to be hot. He made a move in last night's game that looked just like Jeff Carter's goal in game 3.

Petr Sykora did not score last night, but expect him to get on the sheet on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. I have a feeling they may close it out there.

Series Picture (Pens vs. Flyers, 1st round)

The Flyers vs. Penguins matchup has not left anything to be desired. It has been hard-hitting (as expected). Watch the response after Kunitz levels Timonen.

Game 1 was completely dominated by Pittsburgh. The shots on goal doesn't give a great view of what the game was like (33-27 in favor of Pittsburgh) because the Penguins missed some huge opportunities and had a lot of quality scoring chances. Penguins won 4-1. SERIES: PENGUINS 1 FLYERS 0

Game 2 was more evenly matched. The Flyers adjusted well to the Penguins agressive nature. It seemed like game 2 could have gone either way. By the time overtime came, each team was playing free hockey. There were quality scoring chances on both sides, we were just waiting to see which team would put one in first. It looked like Carter was going to end it when Fleury came out of nowhere with a kick save. The Flyers lost their discipline (what little they have) and gave up a 5-on-3 for the Penguins. That turned out to be their undoing as Geurin ended it with a goal on the short side of Biron. Penguins won 3-2 in overtime. SERIES: PENGUINS 2 FLYERS 0.

Game 3 was clearly a home game for Philadelphia. They fed off the home crowd and the physical nature and overpowered the Penguins defense. It seemed like they were able to get a man open in front of the net too easily. The Penguins seemed to get the chances to come back, until Philadelphia scored a short-handed goal at 8:58 of the 2nd period. Flyers won 6-3. SERIES: PENGUINS 2 FLYERS 1.

NEXT GAME: Tuesday, April 21 @ 7pm ET.

I expected the Flyers to come back strong and win this game. I think the Penguins may need to win the next game to keep from seeing the momentum shift to Philly's favor. They have been evenly matched with the Flyers on the powerplay (PIT: 19% PHI: 20%), but they have to be careful not to let their emotions get the better of them. As long as they continue to get more powerplay opportunities than their opponants, they should still win this series.

Note: Petr Sykora is off his game right now. It seems like he is a sniper with his sight a little off. When Sykora gets his shot back on aim, he will get on the score sheet. I llok to see a goal on Tuesday or Thursday...and no later.

PREDICTION: Still Penguins in 6.

Penguins-Flyers First Round Preview

The Penguins locked up home-ice in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs when the NY Rangers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers. The Pittsburgh Penguins will be facing "Filth"adelphia on Wednesday, April 15 @ 7:00pm in Pittsburgh.



PITTSBURGH





Who's hot? - Tyler Kennedy has been flying all over the ice and making things happen on the 3rd line. It may not show on the stat sheet, but he is a difference maker.
Who's not? - Petr Sykora only has 2 goals in his last 17 games. They need him to start being the scorer that they hired him to be. I think if he picked up the intensity, he would become a difference maker.

Key to winning - Special teams. Pittsburgh has to take advantage of the Flyers tough play and get some man-advantages. If they can put pucks in the net when on the power play, they can win this series in five games. Their penalty kill, which has improved under Dan Bylsma has got to continue putting pressure in the neutral zone. If the defense does not step up at the blue line, they are going to pay for penalty mistakes and could have trouble with the Flyers strong puck movement.



PHILADELPHIA


Who's hot? - Jeff Carter has been piling up points all season. He has been really effective the last few weeks of the season. Look for him to continue into the playoffs.
Who's not? - Scott Hartnell has only 1 point in his last 8 games. He is a 30 goal scorer who needs to pick up his game against a team with the firepower of the Penguins offense.
Key to winning - Marty Biron has got to come up big against the Penguins. Since Dan Bylsma took over as coach, the Penguins have turned the opponant's net into a firing range. The Penguins have struggled only when the goalie comes up and shuts them down early. Carolina had success agains them when they were kept in it early by the goaltender. Philly will have to stop the barrage before the Penguins get on a roll.


PREDICTION - PENGUINS IN 6. This is going to be a terrific series. Hard hitting, fast paced, and fun to watch. I don't think the Flyers have the depth that the Penguins do on both ends. The offense and defense lean slightly to Pittsburgh.