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.