Apparently, the Penguins held a team meeting, and decided to coast in tonight's game. Maybe they liked the idea of the handshake on home ice. Maybe they all were just too moved by classic videos of Kate Smith. Maybe they all had a philly cheestake and fries for lunch and couldn't get the sludge out of their system... Who knows?
Unfortunately for Flyers fans, Jordan Staal -- attending his Grandfather's funeral -- missed the meeting.
And so it was that Number 11 was the only one out there skating hard, digging into the corners for the puck, and, well, playing like a Pittsburgh Penguin.
The rest of the team played their worst game of hockey in the playoffs. They were flat-footed, and stood by watching as the Flyers took liberty in MAF's crease. It was a pretty bad showing, but one can only assume that the Penguins figured: "Hey, Detroit's not sweeping... why should we?"
Kudo's to the Jordan Staal line, though, who shut the Philly fans up and made them all wet themselves in the third by scoring two goals.
BTW, I think it's a mistake to put Malkin and Crosby on a line together. I'm hoping that's the last time I see that line. They are not working together well, and it takes too much pressure off of the defense to put all of yoru eggs in one basket.
However, Malkin, previously a Conn Smythe candidate, has sort of disappeared. It may be that the best checkers are now on him, but I still think he was hurt in Game 1. Hopefully, not too badly.
Oh well... time will tell. The Flyers certainly showed toughness and game by coming out and skating hard. Congrats to the orange faithful.
We'll see how they do against a well rested Pittsburgh team at home.
NY took the Pens into overtime in their game 5.
I'm betting that the Flyers have seen their last hurrah...
Revisiting the '98 NBA Lockout
Comments (9)
Pitt pulled a deja vu from the last game of the regular season to put themselves in a better position to clinch the Finals in front of home crowd. This outcome was a no-brainer.
Cassidy's House@HaterNation | 05/15/08, 10:38 PM
Report Offensive CommentStaal showed true character and determination. More power to him and God Bless him and his family during this difficult time.
LetsGoPens | 05/16/08, 08:36 AM
Report Offensive CommentThe look on the Flyers fans after the second goal was pure panic.
Fly-guys in 7? Well... that's better than your "Flyers in five...no wait... Flyers in 6... no wait..." prediction of before...
MarkJoel66 | 05/16/08, 10:51 AM
Report Offensive CommentSo, if I read this right, you're suggesting that the Penguins wanted to give the Flyers one game so they could clinch on home ice? One thing they could have done last night was wake the Flyers up and make nthe Penguins' lives a living hell for games 5, 6, and 7. Remeber, the Flyers are the most resilient team in hockey, and the last thing you want to do is let them hang around.
mm881102 | 05/16/08, 12:17 PM
Report Offensive Comment"So, if I read this right, you're suggesting that the Penguins wanted to give the Flyers one game..."
Sarcasm is lost here, I see.
No... I don't think that the Penguins REALLY voted on coasting in the game. But I don't think they put forth their best effort, either.
They didn't try to lose (any more than they tried to lose the last game of the season). They just didn't care if they lost. There's a difference.
MarkJoel66 | 05/16/08, 09:10 PM
Report Offensive CommentPhlyFan36 said: "FLYGUYS IN 7 BABY"
This is funny. After game one, you come on here and tell me that I am so stupid I shouldn't be allowed to have a blog, and that the Flyers are going to roll over the Pens (excluding game 1).
Then, after three straight losses, where is PhlyFan36? Nowhere to be found, that's where.
The Flyers win one in desperation, and suddenly he is back, chanting his kool-aid inspired drivel.
Here's the thing, PhlyFan36, no matter what happens next game, I'll be here. And if there is a game 6, I'll be here again. And if there' a game 7, I will be here... I AM NOT HIDING> YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND ME.
But you won't be man enough to be here... if your Flyers lose (and history says that they will) you will skulk away in the darkness and hide like a scared kitten.
So it's hard to take your boast seriously... You are not a fan. You are a "I will chant if my team wins" blowhard. The Flyers have done well this year. They deserve better fans than you.
MarkJoel66 | 05/17/08, 09:08 PM
Report Offensive CommentSo, where is PhlyFan36........................
Therrien Rocks | 05/19/08, 12:21 PM
Report Offensive CommentHehehehe...
Paging PhlyFan36... Paging PhlyFan36... !
If anyone knows his whereabouts, could you please send him to the information desk... his Mommy is waiting for him to take hiim home....
MarkJoel66 | 05/19/08, 01:36 PM
Report Offensive CommentI found PhlyFan36....he is championing the Red Wings now.
Therrien Rocks | 05/20/08, 12:27 PM
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