Phuckin’ Filly

So, I guess the Penguins are not going to go unbeaten for the? rest of the season.? The fact is; the Pens played well enough to win this game.? A few missed opportunities, a few bad decisions and too many penaltys contributed to the Pens losing a game they should have won.? Biron played well and made some key saves to keep the Flyers in the game.

At the beginning of the game, there was a buzz in the crowd.? It had the feeling of a playoff game.? After Philly scored two powerplay goals to go up by two, the crowd seemed to lose it’s collective buzz.??Overall, I thought it showed we could definately compete with Philly in playoff series.?

Notes on the game:

• Interestingly, both Crosby and Malkin were held without a shot (officially).?? That is the first time that has happened at home.? Both were held without a shot once on the road in 2007.
• Pittsburgh outshot Philly 28-20.? Many of those 20 shots were taken during a four minute powerplay at the beginning of the third period.
• It seemed that the Pens may have strayed from their new system at times during this afternoon’s game.? They attemted drop passes way too frequently.? It is hard to come down on Crosby for anything, but he is guilty of using the drop pass or the no-look pass too often.? The guys seemed to lose sight of the “North / South” mentality at points throughout the game.? They spent too much time passing and skating “East & West”.? After the game Bylsma contributed these slip-ups to frustrations rooted in their ineffective powerplays.
• There is no need to worry people, they really could not win the rest of their games forever.? They will be fine.

Also, a special shout out to the Pitt Panthers on their victory today.? Here’s wishing them success as the tournament moves forward.