[Phils20]

Well. I'm trying a different approach to this series!

I'm going to just keep all my comments as the series goes on in this thread, unless something crazy goes on!

Things look bad as we start off, with our best defenseman out, but a lot of players are dinged up right now.

Who knows who might go down tonight, for either team.

I think this series was pretty even going in, so even though Timonen(sp) is out for the duration, I'm sure not ready to throw in the towell!

No one thought they would be here right now, so I'm going to be cheering for these guys pretty hard!

[Phils20]

Wow, what a first period. I thought the final score would be 3-2, not the score after one.

The Flyers have been aggressive, and gotten a couple of turnovers, but not put them home!

The Pens, on the other hand, are putting the Flyers error in the twine.

What will per. 2 bring??

Hopefully a tighter game by the Flyers, as far as turnovers go, and I think this team can steal game one!

[Phils20]

Not too bad a 2nd Period. One goal by Malkin. He is very luck he didn't cost his team by hanging back on that play.

I'll almost take that one. I hope he gets in the habit of hanging back like that. He put his team at a 5 on 3 disadvantage, and was fortunate to not have it turn the other way!

VS is calling the fact that Richards didn't stay back with Malkin a breakdown, but I just think Malkin didn't want to hustle after the hit.

Ah well.

Bring on period three!

[Phils20]

Flyers lose 4-2 tonight, but I think they will play a bit better as the series goes on.

Wtih less than a day to get a new game plan for the series, they hung in there 4-2.

Only costly turnovers got this team. Briere with one nearthe end of the first, to give up the third goal, then another leading to the shorthander by a cherry picking Malkin for another.

The Pens are going to have to do better than this.

I know the Flyers can!

[glenn]

Kudos to Philly for making the conference final. Did better than my team but I can't see this series lasting long. Biron showed his mediocrity tonight. Habs just didn't finish their chances against him. Good luck though, I mean Timmonen's blod clot was a huge blow. It's only one game and Philly has to win game 2. With Malkin playing the way he is, and everyone else on that team, they seem pretty unbeatable to me save for Detroit.

[Phils20]

This series is far from over.

Philly just has to get a better game plan. As far as Biron looking mortal, he was killed by turnovers. That 3rd goal at the end of the first should never have happened, and that slap shot by Malkin, well, no one was going to stop the cherry picking goal.

As I said earlier, I hope Malkin trys hangin back like that again on the power play, and leaves his team 5 on 3. Next time he might not be so fortunate.

This team was dealt a huge blow, losing our best D-man 24 hours before game time.

That really threw a monkey wrench into the game plan.

This series will go 6 or 7.

The Pens are going to have to earn this one!

[blueandwhite]

Originally Posted by Phils20

Flyers lose 4-2 tonight, but I think they will play a bit better as the series goes on.
With less than a day to get a new game plan for the series, they hung in there 4-2.
Only costly turnovers got this team. Briere with one nearthe end of the first, to give up the third goal, then another leading to the shorthander by a cherry picking Malkin for another.
The Pens are going to have to do better than this.
I know the Flyers can!

I know what you mean, Phils but come on - the Penguins soundly beat the Flyers and they'll have to do better? they do any better and it'll be four games straight.
Admire your confidence though.

[Phils20]

Yes, they'll have to do better. All four goals were the result of turnovers by the Flyers. Mistakes the Flyers gave them.

And the Flyers can play much better than they did. IF the Pens were that much better, why only one goal after the first period?

Because they cut down on the mistakes.

I know most hate this team, and the Pens are better.

But unbeatable? I think not.

No one has given this team a chance the whole post season, and now they are in the final four.

Darn right I'm proud of this team.

[blueandwhite]

I don't hate the Flyers at all - and I think you should be proud.
But give credit where credit is due - or it sounds kind of like sour grapes.

[Phils20]

Hey, I give the Pens credit for being the better team. But I do think the Flyers gave them some gifts.

That goal at the end of the first, with 6 seconds left. That is an unforgivable turnover. Now Sykora had to bury it, but it was a chance that I can't forgive giving up.

A terrible pass attempt on the PP allows Malkin a gimme. Can't allow that either.

Biron misplaying the puck behind the net giving another goal up.

As I said, I just feel they can play better. I don't think it's sour grapes to say losing Timenen at the last minute played havoc with their game plan.

They out shot and outhit em, but gave up all four goals on turnovers.

Again, are the Pens the better team. No doubt. But this team has beaten the "better team" in both rounds.

It will take a perfect effort, against a superior team, but it can be done.

I wouldn't say I'm confident of that. Only a fool, or someone who is very arrogant would expect it.

But I have to hold out hope!

[Oli Jokinen!]

Originally Posted by Phils20

Hey, I give the Pens credit for being the better team. But I do think the Flyers gave them some gifts.

That goal at the end of the first, with 6 seconds left. That is an unforgivable turnover. Now Sykora had to bury it, but it was a chance that I can't forgive giving up.

A terrible pass attempt on the PP allows Malkin a gimme. Can't allow that either.

Biron misplaying the puck behind the net giving another goal up.

As I said, I just feel they can play better. I don't think it's sour grapes to say losing Timenen at the last minute played havoc with their game plan.

They out shot and outhit em, but gave up all four goals on turnovers.

Again, are the Pens the better team. No doubt. But this team has beaten the "better team" in both rounds.

It will take a perfect effort, against a superior team, but it can be done.

I wouldn't say I'm confident of that. Only a fool, or someone who is very arrogant would expect it.

But I have to hold out hope!

Flyers scored only twice though, even when they stopped the turn overs.
They have no D. And they need their offense to step up.

[Phils20]

Thanks for the locker room handouts!

Cook: If Penguins keep this up, Flyers will be cast aside quickly

[glenn]

Wow, Pittsburgh media must be irritating the hell out of ya. The Philadelphia Enquirer should write an article on the Pirates for the Sunday edition. Flyers can't quit yet, just need to steal next game.

[Lefty Noob]

Okay, let me offer the Pens fan perspective.

And what I have to say is... Ron Cook gets to wear the stupid helmet.

Seriously, dude, why would you WANT to try and get the Flyers fired up by telling them that they're facing a "much superior Penguins team" and by adding that you'll "be surprised if the next three games aren't even easier." Apparently this dunce decided that the Flyers needed some bulletin board material and, since none of the Penguin players wanted to shoot their mouths off, Cook decided to fill the role personally. Idiot.

I fully expect Pittsburgh to get punched in the mouth right good tomorrow now. Thank you Mr. Cook.

[Phils20]

Luckily for the Pens, the teams don't really care about this stuff!

But it is a dumb article!

Looking forward to tomorrow night! I hope it does fire up the Flyers, but I'd rather count on skill!