Penguins-Flyers Game Two: Can I Get Some Syrup For My French Toast?

Martin Biron is a crybaby. Being at Mellon Arena for this game, I was able to see what they don't show you on television. Biron would frequently leave his net after a stoppage in play, sometimes skating all the way out to the blue-line to voice his opinion to the referee. Marty: stay in your net so the Penguins can continue to score goals on you, thanks.

Recap

This was the first playoff game I have been to since 2001. That being said, Sunday night was the wildest atmosphere I have ever experienced at a Penguins game, both inside and outside of the arena. 17,132 people filled the seats inside, while another 3,000 watched the game from the lawn, in the rain. That's dedication to your team. Something special is happening with this team, this city, and these fans. If you don't believe it, go and experience it for yourself.

The igloo erupted when the scratches for the game were announced prior to the dropping of the puck. Maxime Talbot was not among them, meaning he would be back in the lineup for the Pens after missing the previous three games with a broken foot.

Four minutes into the game, the bad blood between these two teams finally materialized into a fight. Tyler Kennedy dropped the mits with Scottie Upshall, and the Penguins' third line spark plug put on a good show, and energized the 17,000 fans in attendance.

The Flyers took five penalties (to the Penguins' three) during the first period, only one of which the Penguins were able to capitalize on. The Penguins took the lead just over the half way mark of the first period, on a Sidney Crosby power play goal in which he barely snuck the puck under the arm of Biron.

After the goal, the Penguins put their "fourth line" on the ice. I say "fourth line" because this line was the Penguins' best during this game, and looked, at times, like a first line. The Roberts-Talbot-Laraque line put on a puck-possession clinic, making the Flyers defensemen look like they belonged on the blue line for Bob Errey's pee wee hockey club.

At 16:41 of the first period, a Sergei Gonchar shot trickled behind Biron. Crosby raised his arms indicating that the Penguins had just scored. The crowd responded, but was letdown when the official waived the goal off.

Hockey is the only sport on planet Earth in which a play is reviewed in another country. The War Room was called, and after eleven minutes that felt like an eternity, the call would stand. No goal and the game would remain 1-0 heading into the first intermission. If this same play happens against the Flyers, in Philadelphia, we won't hear the end of it until next fall.

The Flyers had to feel pretty good about only trailing by one goal, after being completely outplayed during the first twenty minutes.

The second period got under way, and the Flyers looked like a different team. Their determination paid off when Jeff Carter scored on the power play to tie the game, 1-1.

The Flyers continued to press the attack, but Fleury stood his ground.

Finally, Marian Hossa was able to bang one home in front of the net on the power play, once again giving the Penguins the lead, 2-1. I thought Hossa disappeared in the playoffs? Hmm, guess not.

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