Flyers vs. Penguins: Highlights, Twitter Reaction, Grades and More from Game 2

The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins, 8-5, in Game 2 of their first-round series on Friday night, behind Claude Giroux's Flyers franchise record of six points.

The Flyers have stolen both games on the road in Pittsburgh and will return home to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4 with a chance to sweep the series. The Flyers have never lost a series when up 2-0.

Even if you don't know anything about hockey, it would have been nearly impossible not to find the action at Consol Energy Center on Friday exciting.

This was one of the best NHL playoff games in years, and with only two games in the books, this battle could turn out to be one of the most thrilling seven-game series ever.

Let's look at the best tweets, highlights, player grades and analysis of Game 2.

Best Tweets

Game 2 featured very little defense throughout, which is hard for the coaches to watch, but fun for everyone else, as The Hockey News' Adam Proteau points out:

"

Know who's hating this high-scoring Flyers/Pens game? Coaches. Know who's loving it? Everybody else.

— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) April 14, 2012"

Flyers forward Sean Couturier has been amazing through the first two games of this series and is really raising his game as a young player in the first postseason of his career.

"

As well as Sidney Crosby and Claude Giroux are playing in Game 2, player of series to me is Sean Couturier. What a player. #pens #flyers

— Alan Robinson (@alanrobinson22) April 14, 2012"

Sean Couturier was the eighth pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, and you can bet the seven teams who passed on him are quite angry tonight.

"

How Couturier fell to eighth in that draft, I have no idea. Has been very solid at both ends.

— James Mirtle (@mirtle) April 14, 2012"

The Flyers' ability to come back in this series has been quite impressive.

"

Flyers are 1st team since 1995-96 Capitals to win 1st 2 games of playoff series after overcoming a 2-goal deficit in each game. #Elias

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 14, 2012"

Must-See Highlights

Flyers goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov robs Penguins defenseman Kris Letang with a beautiful glove save!

Some nice passing on the power play allows Penguins forward Chris Kunitz to score.

Jaromir Jagr scores the game-winning goal off of a rebound.

Player Grades: Pittsburgh Penguins

Marc-Andre Fleury: F

The Penguins' goaltender was awful in Game 2 and failed to give his team a chance to win, despite having multiple leads throughout the night.

When you score five goals in a playoff game, there's no excuse to lose. On Jaromir Jagr's game-winning goal for the Flyers, Fleury chose not to cover the puck for a faceoff, and it was a poor decision that ultimately cost the team.

Kris Letang: D

The talented Penguins defenseman struggled in his own zone and had no points on the night. He also took two foolish penalties, one for unsportsmanlike conduct (diving) and another for delay of game (shooting puck over glass).

Sidney Crosby: B-

Crosby had a goal and an assist tonight, but he wasn't able to be a factor offensively during the third period, when Pittsburgh needed him the most. Crosby didn't score after the first two periods.

Player Grades: Philadelphia Flyers

Sean Couturier: A+

The Flyers' rookie was phenomenal all night and played like a veteran, not a 19-year-old player in his second-career playoff game. Couturier had three goals, three hits and did a great job defensively against Penguins star Evgeni Malkin.

Claude Giroux: A+

Giroux proved why he's one of the best players in hockey with a hat trick in a dominating offensive performance.

The young Flyers center had six points and eight shots on goal. His six-point performance set a new Flyers playoff record. The Penguins had no answer for him in the attacking zone.

Ilya Bryzgalov: C-

Bryzgalov made some great saves in this game, but he cannot allow five goals to the Penguins again in this series, or the Flyers are in trouble. It's too much to ask of your offense to carry the team when the goaltender allows five goals to a very skilled opponent. Bryzgalov has to be better in Philadelphia in order for the Flyers to gain a stranglehold on the series.

Deciding Factor: Special Teams

The Flyers were able to score on one of their two power-play opportunities while also scoring two short-handed goals. The ability to contain a very potent Penguins power play by scoring a man down is quite impressive.

Game MVP: Sean Couturier

A star was born in Game 2, as Flyers rookie Sean Couturier earned a hat trick to lead his team to an 8-5 victory. He dominated at both ends of the ice and was the game's best player without question.

What's Next

Game 3 is Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia at 3 p.m. ET. The Flyers have never lost a playoff series with a 2-0 series lead.

Now, Philadelphia will go home with an opportunity to eliminate their most hated rival in a four-game sweep.

Follow @NicholasGoss35

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He was also the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston.